Roofing · Government contracting
Roofing Government Contracts & Bids
Last reviewed August 14, 2026 · How we source this
Government agencies reroof buildings constantly — schools, city and county facilities, universities, and federal properties all need roof replacement and repair on predictable cycles. Most of this work is bid as sealed low-bid solicitations, which rewards roofing contractors who price accurately and submit a complete, compliant bid.
NAICS codes for roofing contractors
- 238160 — Roofing Contractors
- 238170 — Siding Contractors (related exterior envelope work)
Not sure which codes apply to your business? See the NAICS code definition in the glossary.
Typical government roofing projects
- Roof replacement and reroofing on K-12 schools and school districts (one of the largest sources of public roofing work).
- Municipal and county building reroofs — offices, fire stations, libraries, maintenance facilities.
- University and college campus roofing programs.
- Federal facility roofing (VA, GSA, and military installations), often single-ply TPO/EPDM, built-up, modified bitumen, or metal systems.
- Roof coatings, restoration, and preventive-maintenance contracts.
Where the work is
Roofing work is bid across all three levels of government. Federal projects (VA hospitals, GSA buildings, and military bases through the Army Corps of Engineers and NAVFAC) are posted on SAM.gov. State work runs through state facilities agencies and university systems. But the deepest well for most roofers is local: school districts, cities, and counties, which reroof buildings on regular cycles and post to their own or hosted portals.
You can also browse opportunities by state to see how the work is posted where you operate.
What it takes to win roofing bids
- Most public roofing is bid as an Invitation for Bid (IFB) awarded to the lowest responsive, responsible bidder — accuracy and completeness beat a fancy proposal.
- Prevailing wage / Davis-Bacon usually applies on public roofing; price the correct labor rates or you'll either lose money or lose the bid.
- Bid, performance, and payment bonds are commonly required — line up surety capacity before you commit.
- Solicitations often specify a system and a manufacturer's warranty (e.g., an NDL warranty); being an approved/certified applicator for that system can be a requirement.
- Roofing licensing rules vary by state — confirm you hold the right license for the jurisdiction before bidding.
For the full pursuit process, read How to Win Government Contracts.
Roofing government contracting FAQ
What NAICS code do roofing contractors use for government contracts?
What NAICS code do roofing contractors use for government contracts?
The primary code is NAICS 238160, Roofing Contractors. If you also self-perform related exterior-envelope work you may carry additional codes (for example 238170 for siding), but 238160 is the one that classifies roofing work for procurement and small-business size standards.
Where are government roofing projects posted?
Where are government roofing projects posted?
Federal roofing work is posted on SAM.gov (VA, GSA, and military projects). State work runs through state facilities agencies and universities, and the largest volume for most roofers is local — school districts, cities, and counties that reroof buildings on regular cycles and post to their own or hosted portals.
Do I need to be a certified applicator to bid government roofing?
Do I need to be a certified applicator to bid government roofing?
Not always, but many solicitations specify a roofing system and require a manufacturer's warranty (such as an NDL warranty), which in turn requires being an approved or certified applicator for that system. Read the specification carefully — an otherwise strong bid can be rejected if you can't provide the required warranty.
Find roofing contracts that match your business
GovBid Finder scores every federal, state, and local opportunity against your trade, size, and service area. Free to use; only pay 3% when you win.