Understanding SDVOSB Janitorial Contracts: Opportunities, Compliance, and Best Practices

Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) janitorial contracts offer a unique entry point for veteran-owned businesses to participate in federal and state government procurement. These specialized cleaning service contracts are set aside for small businesses majority-owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans, promoting economic empowerment, fostering competition, and recognizing the contributions of veterans to the nation. This article explores key considerations, regulatory requirements, and strategic insights necessary to compete effectively for SDVOSB janitorial contracts.

What Are SDVOSB Janitorial Contracts?

SDVOSB janitorial contracts pertain to routine and specialized cleaning services provided to federal, state, and local agencies by eligible SDVOSBs. These contracts range from smaller, single-facility janitorial needs to large-scale, multi-site sanitation services.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SDVOSB contracts, a firm must:
– Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more service-disabled veterans.
– Have daily operations and long-term planning managed by a service-disabled veteran.
– Be classified as a small business according to North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) standards. For most janitorial services, NAICS Code 561720 (Janitorial Services) is applicable.

Firms must be certified as SDVOSBs through the Veteran Small Business Certification (VetCert) program managed by the Small Business Administration (SBA), previously overseen by the VA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE).

Current Landscape of SDVOSB Set-Asides

Federal agencies, particularly the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Defense, and the General Services Administration (GSA), have strong histories of awarding contracts specifically to SDVOSBs. The Veterans Entrepreneurship and Small Business Development Act of 1999 and subsequent legislation established government-wide goals to award at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs.

Growth in Janitorial Services Demand

The need for robust janitorial services has increased due to heightened public health standards and pandemic-related sanitation protocols. Many federal buildings—courthouses, military installations, and administrative facilities—now require ongoing custodial services that align with CDC and OSHA guidelines. This surge in demand creates a continued flow of opportunities for SDVOSB janitorial service providers.

Compliance Considerations in SDVOSB Janitorial Contracts

Proper execution of SDVOSB janitorial contracts requires more than just operational efficiency—it calls for maintaining strict compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR), environmental standards, and labor laws.

Key Compliance Areas

– **FAR Part 19.14 – SDVOSB Program**: Outlines the authority for setting aside contracts or awarding sole-source contracts to SDVOSBs.
– **Service Contract Act (SCA)**: Applies to janitorial contracts and mandates payment of prevailing wages, benefits, and safety provisions.
– **EEO and OSHA Standards**: Contractors must follow workplace safety laws and equal employment opportunity requirements.
– **Subcontracting Limits**: SDVOSBs must perform a certain percentage of the work themselves, ensuring that set-aside advantages directly benefit the intended businesses.

Strategic Best Practices for Bidding and Execution

Winning and executing an SDVOSB janitorial contract successfully requires a blend of strategic planning, pricing precision, and performance excellence.

Build Capacity and Certifications

Before bidding, ensure your team possesses:
– Adequate staffing and cleaning equipment
– Green cleaning certifications (if required)
– OSHA training and other safety credentials

Leverage Small Business Resources

Utilize resources like:
– SBA’s Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
– The Maryland Procurement Technical Assistance Center (Maryland APEX Accelerator)
– Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)

These organizations provide bid matching, assistance with registrations like SAM.gov, and help strengthen your capability statements.

Know the NAICS Codes and Market Trends

Identify and register under the appropriate NAICS code—typically 561720—in your SAM profile. Monitor opportunity platforms such as:
– **SAM.gov** for federal solicitations
– **eMMA (eMaryland Marketplace Advantage)** for state-level opportunities
– **GSA eBuy** for schedule-based procurements

The Maryland State Perspective on SDVOSBs

While most SDVOSB incentives originate federally, Maryland has taken steps to support veteran-owned businesses through similar programs. Though SDVOSBs are not a designated preference category under Maryland’s Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program, certain agencies recognize veteran status and promote participation through small business reserves or agency outreach efforts.

State Contract Opportunities

Agencies such as the Maryland Department of General