Think government contracts are only for big defense contractors? Think again.
In 2025, some of the easiest federal and local contracts are designed for small, agile businesses—especially those that understand their niche and move quickly. There are many opportunities for people with disabilities, from cleaning jobs to IT support, translation, and even R&D funding. These opportunities are easier to get and often have fewer requirements.
These contracts usually fall under simplified acquisition rules, meaning there’s less paperwork, less competition, and faster awards. Many of these are set aside for small businesses and awarded regionally, which gives local firms a true advantage.
Here’s The 10 Easiest Government Contracts to Win in 2025
The easiest government contracts to win in 2025 include janitorial services, office supplies, IT support, translation, temporary staffing, grounds maintenance, transportation, training services, SBIR/STTR grants, and ARPA-E energy funding. These contracts often favor small businesses, have simplified requirements, and are regionally awarded.
Below are the 10 easiest government contracts to win in 2025. This includes who offers them, why they’re accessible, and how to position yourself to win.
1. Janitorial and Custodial Services
Nearly every federal, state, and local facility—from administrative offices to military bases—needs regular cleaning and maintenance. Contracts for janitorial services often fall below simplified acquisition thresholds, reducing paperwork and competition. They’re frequently set aside for small businesses and awarded regionally, making them ideal for local providers.
Why it’s easy:
- Less competition
- Simple qualifications
- Often repeatable
Tips: Register on GSA schedules, highlight insurance and safety credentials, and build relationships with facility managers. Agencies to Target: General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Education.
Agencies to target: GSA, DoD, Department of Education
2. Office Supplies and Furniture
Agency after agency needs pencils, printer cartridges, desks, and chairs. A lot of these purchases are made through GSA Advantage! and other blanket purchase agreements (BPAs). This makes ordering easier and limits the number of approved vendors. If you can keep track of what you have in stock and offer good prices, you’ll get repeat customers and build long-term relationships.
Why it’s easy:
- Uses GSA Advantage! and BPAs
- Lower-dollar orders
- High volume potential
Tips: Obtain a GSA Schedule, optimize catalog descriptions for search, and offer drop-ship options. Agencies to Target: All federal agencies, municipal governments, and educational institutions.
Agencies to target: All federal agencies, local governments
3. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) & Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR)
SBIR and STTR programs give money to small businesses that are working on new ideas. Phase I awards focus on studies to see if a project is possible (up to $150,000), while Phase II supports creating a model of the project (up to $1 million). These programs are designed to help small businesses, so there are usually not many applicants and the reviews are clear.
Why it’s easy:
- Only open to small businesses
- Structured evaluation criteria
- Non-dilutive funding
Tips: Align proposals with agency mission areas (e.g., defense, energy, health), collaborate with research institutions, and leverage previous academic work. Agencies to Target: Department of Defense, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health.
Agencies to target: DoD, DOE, NIH
4. ARPA-E Energy Innovation Funding
The Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) funds energy technologies that are risky but could be very profitable. These technologies are aimed at changing the energy sector. ARPA-E awards are competitive, but only projects that meet specific “breakthrough” criteria can apply. This narrows the number of applicants. If your solution clearly improves efficiency or reduces emissions, you have a good chance of success.
Why it’s easy:
- Niche focus limits competition
- Clear milestones required
- Strong support for commercialization
Tips: Emphasize technical milestones, outline clear commercialization paths, and network at ARPA-E events. Agencies to Target: ARPA-E (Department of Energy) and affiliated national labs.
Agency to target: ARPA-E
5. IT Support and Maintenance
Agencies need technical support to keep their systems online. This support can include help desk services and network monitoring. The Governmentwide Acquisition Contract (GWAC) program lets small IT companies bid on smaller parts of a project if the project is worth less than a certain amount of money. Small firms can compete with larger companies for customers because they can respond quickly and offer local knowledge.
Why it’s easy:
- GWACs simplify bidding
- Smaller tasks mean lower barriers
- Agencies value responsiveness over size
Tips: Obtain 8(a) or HUBZone certification, showcase past performance in QuickBooks or similar systems, and maintain key cybersecurity certifications (e.g., CompTIA Security+).
Agencies to Target: GSA, Department of Homeland Security, state and local governments.
6. Temporary Staffing Services
Agencies often need short-term contractors for office jobs. These agreements often use simple procedures for assignments under six months, which makes things less complicated. Small staffing agencies that can supply qualified candidates quickly will have a steady stream of task orders.
Why it’s easy:
- Simplified procurement for short-term roles
- Low entry barrier
- High demand
Tips: Secure an IDIQ (indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity) contract, vet candidates for required clearances, and maintain a robust applicant database.
Agencies to Target: Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Health and Human Services.
7. Facility Management and Grounds Maintenance
Services like landscaping, snow removal, pest control, and minor repairs are important for buildings owned by the government. These contracts are usually small, given to companies in a specific region, and they’re easier to get. Local companies that have the right equipment and understand seasonal requirements can build long-lasting partnerships.
Why it’s easy:
- Seasonal, recurring needs
- Local preference
- Lower-dollar projects
Tips: Highlight environmental or green-space management certifications, provide bundled pricing for multiple services, and demonstrate rapid emergency response.
Agencies to Target: National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, state DOTs.
8. Translation and Interpretation Services
There is an increasing focus on diversity and inclusion. Because of this, agencies need translators and interpreters for public outreach, litigation support, and internal meetings. These contracts are often set aside for small businesses, and agencies prefer lists of providers that have been checked beforehand. This limits the number of companies that can compete. Being able to speak less common languages, like Bengali or Thai, can make you stand out.
Tips:
- Offer bundled services
- Respond quickly to weather events
- Get green-space certifications
Tips: Obtain a GSA linguist services schedule, showcase quality-control processes, and build a network of vetted sub-providers.
Agencies to Target: Department of Justice, Department of State, local courts.
9. Transportation and Logistics
Moving people, mail, and materials that are sensitive requires different kinds of transport services. Local shuttle contracts, courier services, and freight forwarding agreements often fall under micropurchase or simplified acquisition thresholds. Companies that offer reliable, insured transport with GPS tracking get more orders.
Why it’s easy:
- Often micropurchases
- Regional or single-location service
- Simple delivery terms
Tips: Maintain relevant DOT and state licenses, offer electronic proof-of-delivery, and ensure vehicle fleets meet emission standards.
Agencies to Target: GSA, Department of Defense, USPS partnerships.
10. Training and Education Services
Government agencies invest in helping people get better jobs. They make people take classes on things like following the rules, cybersecurity, and leadership. BPA vehicles or small-business set-asides are used to procure instructional design, e-learning modules, and in-person workshops. There are limited rounds of competition for these procurements. Providers who specialize in specific subjects and have tested their curricula will stand out.
Why it’s easy:
- BPA vehicles limit competition
- Niche expertise wins
- Predictable demand
Tips: Secure a GSA training schedule, demonstrate adult-learning best practices, and include post-course evaluation metrics.
Agencies to Target: Office of Personnel Management (OPM), Department of Defense, Department of Education.
Summary Table
| Contract Type | Typical Value | Barrier to Entry | Set-Aside Type |
| Janitorial & Custodial Services | $50K–$250K annually | Low | Small Business |
| Office Supplies & Furniture | $25K–$100K per order | Low | GSA Schedule |
| SBIR/STTR R&D Funding | $150K–$1M+ | Medium | Small Business Mandate |
| ARPA-E Energy Projects | $500K–$2M | Medium | Open Competition |
| IT Support & Maintenance | $100K–$500K+ | Medium | 8(a), HUBZone |
| Temporary Staffing | $30K–$200K per task | Low | Small Business |
| Facilities & Grounds Maintenance | $20K–$150K annually | Low | Simplified Acquisition |
| Translation & Interpretation | $10K–$75K per order | Low | GSA Schedule |
| Transportation & Logistics | $10K–$100K per order | Low | Micro Purchase/Simplified |
| Training & Education Services | $50K–$300K per task | Medium | Set-Aside or BPA |
Conclusion
Winning your first government contract in 2025 doesn’t require Fortune 500 backing. By targeting contracts with clear set-asides, manageable competition, and recurring needs, small businesses and startups can secure steady revenue streams. Start by registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), obtaining relevant certifications, and building relationships through networking and outreach.
What’s Next?
Investigate small-business certifications (e.g., 8(a), HUBZone, Women-Owned), attend agency matchmaking events, and invest in proposal-writing training. Each contract type has its own nuances—master them one at a time to build a diversified pipeline of opportunities. Good luck, and may your next bid be a winner!
