Securing government or municipal contracts can be one of the most lucrative and consistent revenue streams for your power washing business. While residential and commercial jobs often fluctuate with the seasons, government contracts offer large-scale work, predictable schedules, and long-term opportunities. 💰📅
But these contracts don’t land in your lap — you have to know how to find them, bid on them, and present your company as the right fit for the job.
This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of landing contracts with cities, counties, school districts, and other public institutions — even if you’re a small operation just getting started. 🧽📈
🧠 Why Go After Government Contracts?
Before diving into the “how,” it’s important to understand the benefits of government work:
✅ High-Value Projects
Power washing services for city buildings, sidewalks, transit stops, or public schools often cover large square footage — meaning higher payouts. 🏢🧼
✅ Consistent Work
Governments operate year-round and often work on annual maintenance schedules. A single contract can keep your business booked for weeks or months.
✅ Great for Reputation
Landing a city or municipal job boosts your credibility with other clients. It shows your business is trusted and reliable — even by government agencies. 🏅
🔍 Step 1: Get Registered as a Vendor
Before you can even submit a bid, you need to become an approved government vendor.
🔧 How to Register:
- Find your city or county procurement office — Google “[Your City] vendor registration”
- Fill out an application — This usually includes:
- Business name and EIN
- Insurance documentation
- W-9 tax form
- Business license or contractor’s license (if required)
- Get added to their vendor database
📝 Pro Tip: Most cities have a portal where you can register to receive notifications about new contract opportunities.
💼 Step 2: Get Your Business Contract-Ready
To compete for government jobs, you’ll need to look organized, professional, and compliant. Here’s what to prepare:
📃 Key Requirements:
- General Liability Insurance ($1M–$2M coverage is common)
- Workers’ Compensation (if you have employees)
- Business License in the city you’re applying to
- Certifications (e.g., OSHA training, pressure washing certifications, etc.)
Governments don’t want to risk hiring underinsured or disorganized contractors. Be ready to upload or provide documentation quickly when asked.
📡 Step 3: Find Opportunities
Government agencies post open bids and RFPs (Requests for Proposal) in several places:
🔍 Where to Look:
- City/County Procurement Portals (e.g., Los Angeles BAVN, Houston Procurement)
- State Bid Sites (such as Cal eProcure or Texas SmartBuy)
- Federal: sam.gov for large federal projects
- School districts and universities (check their websites)
You can also check third-party platforms like:
- GovWin
- BidNet
- DemandStar
🧠 Set alerts so you get notified when new opportunities matching “power washing” or “pressure cleaning” are posted.
🧾 Step 4: Prepare a Professional Bid
When an opportunity opens, don’t just rush to submit a price. Government agencies usually evaluate multiple factors beyond cost, including:
📋 What to Include in Your Bid:
- Company Overview — Brief history, number of employees, years in business
- Scope of Work Understanding — Show you fully understand the job requirements
- Detailed Pricing — Transparent cost breakdown
- Timeline for Completion
- Proof of Insurance and Licensing
- References — Bonus points for previous government or large commercial clients
- Certifications — Minority-owned, veteran-owned, or local business certifications can be an advantage 🏅
📂 Some bids must be sealed and submitted physically, while others are handled digitally — read the instructions carefully.
🔨 Step 5: Focus on Competitive Pricing — But Don’t Undercut
It’s tempting to go low on price to win a job, but governments also look for value and quality. Too low a price may signal inexperience or cut corners.
Here’s how to stay competitive:
- Use unit pricing (per square foot) where required
- Include discounts for bundled services (e.g., sidewalks + building exteriors)
- Offer optional add-ons (e.g., anti-graffiti coatings, sealant applications)
🧠 Pro Tip: Your pricing should reflect your professionalism, safety, and experience — not just raw cost.
🤝 Step 6: Follow Up Professionally
After submitting your bid:
- Confirm it was received
- Ask for an estimated decision date
- Be available for questions, clarifications, or site walk-throughs
Whether you win or lose, always request feedback. It’ll help you strengthen future bids. 🛠️💡
🗣️ Bonus Tip: Build Relationships with Procurement Officers
Success with government contracts often comes down to relationships. You can:
- Attend city council or procurement meetings
- Join local small business outreach programs
- Introduce yourself at chamber of commerce events
People remember professionalism and persistence. Being top-of-mind increases your chances for future awards. 🤝🏛️
🔄 Renewals and Long-Term Contracts
If you win a job and perform well, the agency may:
- Renew your contract annually
- Offer you more properties to clean
- Add you to their preferred vendor list
Think long-term. Treat every job like a 5-star audition. 🌟🚿
🔚 Final Thoughts
Government and municipal power washing contracts are one of the best ways to scale your business with reliable work and high payouts. But it takes patience, preparation, and professionalism.
✅ Register as a vendor
✅ Get compliant with licenses and insurance
✅ Monitor bids and submit thorough proposals
✅ Build strong relationships and deliver outstanding service
The first contract may take time to land, but once you break into this space, the opportunities can roll in year after year. It’s not just about washing sidewalks — it’s about building a business that lasts. 🧼🏛️💼
