Win More Government
A&E Contracts.

Architecture and engineering firms win government contracts primarily through the Brooks Act qualifications-based selection process, which means competing on qualifications rather than price. Government agencies issue Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and firms respond with SF330 packages showcasing relevant project experience, key personnel, and technical approach. SamSearch helps A&E firms find relevant solicitations, analyze requirements quickly, and build winning SF330 submissions faster.

Government A&E contracts span design services (architectural design, structural engineering, MEP engineering), construction management, environmental engineering, civil infrastructure (roads, bridges, utilities), military facility design (USACE, NAVFAC), transportation engineering (FHWA, state DOTs), water and wastewater engineering, and landscape architecture. Most are procured under the Brooks Act using qualifications-based selection.

The Brooks Act (40 U.S.C. § 1101) governs federal procurement of architecture and engineering services. It requires agencies to select A&E firms based on professional qualifications and demonstrated competence—not price. Firms submit SF330 qualification packages, agencies rank the most qualified, and then negotiate fair compensation with the top-ranked firm. SamSearch helps you find Brooks Act solicitations, understand evaluation criteria, and build compelling SF330s.

A&E firms use several NAICS codes: 541310 (Architectural Services), 541320 (Landscape Architectural Services), 541330 (Engineering Services), 541340 (Drafting Services), 541350 (Building Inspection Services), 541360 (Geophysical Surveying and Mapping), 541370 (Surveying and Mapping Services), and 541380 (Testing Laboratories). Using the right NAICS codes is critical for small business set-asides and finding relevant solicitations.

Absolutely. Many government A&E contracts are set aside exclusively for small businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB firms. Additionally, large A&E firms frequently seek small business subcontractors and teaming partners to meet small business subcontracting goals. SamSearch helps small A&E firms identify set-aside opportunities and teaming partnerships on larger contracts.

IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity) contracts are common in government A&E—agencies like USACE, NAVFAC, and state DOTs use them extensively. To find IDIQ opportunities, you need to track both the initial IDIQ award solicitations and subsequent task order competitions. SamSearch monitors both, alerting you when new IDIQ vehicles open for competition and when task orders are issued under existing vehicles your firm is on.