Security Guard Services Government Contracts in Texas

Government security guard contracts supply armed and unarmed officers for federal buildings, military bases, state facilities, and special events. Solicited under NAICS 561612, these contracts demand state guard licenses, firearms certifications for armed posts, and rigorous personnel vetting. Agencies weigh your training program, supervision model, and ability to fill posts without gaps more heavily than price.

Selling to government in Texas

Texas posts state solicitations on the Electronic State Business Daily (ESBD) and runs a HUB (Historically Underutilized Business) program with subcontracting goals on most contracts over $100K. Major federal buyers include JBSA, Fort Cavazos, and a large VA footprint.

Texas SmartBuy / ESBD — Texas's procurement portal

Security Guard Services contract awards in Texas

Since Oct 2024, federal agencies recorded 426 federal security guard contracts performed in Texas, obligating $1.8B. The largest buyer was the Department of Homeland Security ($1.7B).

426
Contract awards since Oct 2024
$1.8B
Dollars obligated
$4.3M
Average per award

Top buying agencies

  1. 1. Department of Homeland Security$1.7B
  2. 2. Department of Justice$41.2M
  3. 3. National Aeronautics and Space Administration$32.8M
  4. 4. Department of Defense$19.2M
  5. 5. National Archives and Records Administration$15.1M

Recent awards

Source: USASpending.gov contract award data, refreshed weekly.Search awards

Requirements to expect

  • State security guard licenses and, for armed posts, firearms permits and qualification records
  • Guard training program meeting agency hour requirements (often 40+ hours pre-assignment)
  • Post Orders compliance and documented post inspections
  • Personnel security clearances or suitability determinations
  • 24/7 supervision and post-fill contingency plan (no vacant posts)
  • Uniform, equipment, and communications specifications

The full documents list and proposal checklist are in the Security Guard Services government contracts guide.

Found a Texas solicitation worth bidding?

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Frequently asked questions

How much does the federal government spend on security guard services in Texas?

Since Oct 2024, agencies obligated $1.8B across 426 security guard contracts performed in Texas (NAICS 561612), an average of $4.3M per award. The Department of Homeland Security is the largest buyer.

Where are security guard services bids posted in Texas?

Federal opportunities performed in Texas are posted on SAM.gov (filter by place of performance). State-level work is posted on Texas SmartBuy / ESBD, and counties, cities, and school districts run their own portals — register with the largest ones in your service area.

Do I need to register with the state of Texas to bid?

For Texas state agency contracts, yes — register as a vendor on Texas SmartBuy / ESBD. Federal contracts performed in Texas only require SAM.gov registration, though state small-business certifications can still help with subcontracting.

Can a new security company bid on federal guard contracts?

Yes, but expect to start with state/local contracts or federal subcontracts. Federal prime contracts usually require demonstrated past performance and licensed, trained guard forces; teaming with an established prime is the most common entry path.

What's the difference between armed and unarmed solicitations?

Armed posts add firearms licensing, qualification, higher insurance, and higher SCA wage categories. Bid only what your licenses and insurance actually cover — non-compliance is grounds for rejection.

Security Guard Services in other states

Other industries in Texas