10 Most Promising Contract Categories In FY2026

The new fiscal year is underway — and for small and mid-sized government contractors, FY 2026 is already shaping up to be full of promise.

In this  episode of FedBiz’5, we break down the ten most strategic contracting categories where smaller firms can gain traction, from facility maintenance and infrastructure projects to healthcare tech and R&D innovation.

You’ll learn:

• Which agency priorities and budget trends are driving demand this year
• How to position your business for high-potential recompetes and small-business set-asides
• Why focusing on a few well-chosen lanes beats chasing every RFP that drops
• And how to use market intelligence to act early, find teaming partners, and anticipate buyer needs before your competition

Whether you’re a seasoned contractor or just expanding into new categories, this episode will help you refine your FY 2026 strategy, stay visible, and prepare to capture more awards in the months ahead.

Because in government contracting, the firms that understand where the money’s moving, and position themselves first, are the ones that keep winning.

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Need help in the government marketplace? Call a FedBiz Specialist today: 844-628-8914

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Transcript

Sam Fields:
Hello and welcome to FedBiz’5, your quick dive into all things government contracting.

Fiscal Year 2026 is officially underway, and the early signals are strong for small and mid-sized businesses ready to compete.

Every new fiscal year brings budget resets, re-competes, and fresh initiatives. This one, though, stands out. Across multiple agencies, there’s clear momentum in categories where smaller, agile contractors have a genuine edge — especially where flexibility, specialized expertise, or speed of delivery matter most.

So today, we’re covering the ten most promising contracting opportunities for FY 2026 — what’s driving each one, and why it’s worth your focus.

Let’s jump in.

Sam Fields:
First — Facility and Base-Operations Support.
Think of this as the backbone of government infrastructure — the day-to-day maintenance that keeps bases, offices, and installations running.

The General Services Administration reports a growing backlog of building safety and infrastructure repairs, meaning more contracts will be re-competed this year.

These opportunities often span multiple years and are structured as multiple-award IDIQs, so there’s plenty of room for small-business participation. The work is recurring, stable, and relationship-driven. Once you’re in, renewals and follow-on work tend to come naturally.

If you provide custodial services, maintenance, or facility repairs, this is one of the most reliable, revenue-steady categories for 2026.

Sam Fields:
Next — Architect-Engineering and Construction Support.
The government continues to modernize aging facilities across the country — from courthouses to military installations. That means demand for design, planning, and oversight is rising.

Architect-engineering contracts are often awarded through MATOCs, which include both large and small-business slots. These projects are typically smaller than massive design-build efforts but carry the same federal visibility.

If your firm handles drafting, engineering, or design management, start building your pipeline now. These solicitations release quickly once funds are unlocked, and early preparation pays off.

Sam Fields:
Third — Real-Estate and Federal-Building Optimization.
The GSA is under pressure to right-size federal space — consolidating offices, cutting energy costs, and modernizing older properties.

That opens a floodgate for contractors who focus on energy retrofits, facility optimization, and sustainable upgrades. Expect opportunities around HVAC modernization, lighting retrofits, energy-efficiency assessments, and property management.

Many of these awards combine multiple services into bundled task orders, so teaming or joint ventures can strengthen your approach. For companies in construction support or energy management, FY 2026 is a pivotal year to engage.

Sam Fields:
Fourth — Information Technology, Shared Services, and Cloud Support.
Even with tighter budgets, technology remains one of the government’s fastest-growing priorities. Agencies are moving legacy systems into the cloud, upgrading cybersecurity, and embracing modular procurement.

What’s great for smaller firms is how these projects are being structured — large umbrella programs with smaller, clearly defined task orders underneath. Specialized IT providers can carve out strong positions without competing against full-scale integrators.

If your company focuses on cybersecurity, cloud migration, or software-as-a-service integration, the demand this year will be constant — particularly across civilian agencies modernizing internal systems.

Sam Fields:
Fifth — Environmental Compliance and Remediation.
Cleanup and compliance programs are once again in focus, especially within the Department of Defense and GSA. Agencies are addressing deferred environmental projects tied to older facilities and industrial sites.

These contracts often come as multi-award IDIQs with a clear technical bar. For firms that qualify, the competition pool is smaller, and the value per task order can be significant.

If you provide environmental engineering, hazardous-waste management, or site remediation, this is a specialized but lucrative niche.

Sam Fields:
Sixth — Infrastructure and Transportation Projects.
The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act continues to push funding through the Department of Transportation for roadwork, transit systems, and broadband expansion.

Many of these programs are administered regionally, which gives small and mid-sized firms an advantage. Civil works and infrastructure contracts often require local presence, quick mobilization, and compliance with state or municipal requirements — all areas where nimble businesses shine.

If you offer construction, surveying, or transportation logistics, make sure you’re watching regional solicitations tied to IIJA funding this quarter.

Sam Fields:
Seventh — Healthcare Support and Technology Modernization.
Even in constrained budgets, healthcare remains a top national priority. Agencies like HHS and VA are emphasizing digital transformation — telehealth access, data sharing, and system integration across rural networks.

Smaller vendors that specialize in health IT, telehealth infrastructure, or systems support are well-positioned to capture this work. These are not just tech contracts — they’re mission-critical programs improving care access for millions.

For companies at the intersection of healthcare and technology, 2026 brings opportunity and impact.

Sam Fields:
Eighth — Research and Development.
Innovation remains a major engine of federal spending. R&D and prototyping programs, especially SBIR and STTR, are designed for small businesses developing new technologies.

These are among the easiest on-ramps to build federal past performance. You can start small — a pilot, a proof-of-concept — and grow from there. Many successful government contractors today began with R&D grants that turned into long-term federal partnerships.

If you’re developing an emerging technology — from energy to AI — this is your lane.

Sam Fields:
Ninth — Supply Chain, Logistics, and Distribution.
From the Defense Logistics Agency to FEMA and USDA, supply and distribution contracts are the lifeblood of government readiness.

Agencies are re-evaluating vendor reliability after recent disruptions, creating new opportunities for trusted logistics partners. These contracts often renew every few years and cover everything from food and medical distribution to storage and shipping.

They’re recurring, high-volume, and perfect for businesses that can deliver consistent performance.

Sam Fields:
And tenth — Teaming and Small-Business Set-Asides.
Sometimes the best move isn’t chasing the biggest contract — it’s teaming strategically. Prime contractors need qualified small-business partners to meet participation goals.

If you’re certified 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, or SDVOSB, you’re already in demand. Teaming builds your past performance, strengthens your reputation, and gives you a path toward prime contracts later.

Make this the year you expand your network — join pre-bid teams, reach out to primes, and participate in agency industry days. Collaboration is often the fastest path to growth.

Sam Fields:
So, how do you actually track all this and turn research into results?

That’s where FedBiz365 comes in.
Our AI-powered market-intelligence platform continuously scans SAM.gov, agency forecasts, and SLED procurement sources to surface real-time opportunities others overlook.

It identifies contracts that match your NAICS codes, highlights re-competes in your core areas, and even tracks state and local projects before they reach the federal radar.

You can set alerts for exactly the categories we’ve talked about today — from facility support to healthcare modernization — and FedBiz365 will notify you when new opportunities align with your strengths.

Beyond that, it helps locate teaming partners, track competitive activity, and visualize where your next wins are most likely to happen.

It’s not just a research tool — it’s a proactive strategy engine that helps small businesses act like primes.

Sam Fields:
Closing Thoughts

Fiscal Year 2026 brings fresh opportunity for small and mid-sized contractors ready to focus, prepare, and engage. “Easier” doesn’t mean simple — it means achievable with the right insight, timing, and discipline.

Choose the categories that fit your capabilities. Get visible. Build relationships. And most importantly, stay consistent.

And when you’re ready to take the next step, FedBiz Access can help.
For more than twenty-four years, we’ve helped businesses succeed in the government marketplace — from registration and certification to market research, GSA Schedule preparation, and direct-marketing campaigns.

We combine expertise with tools like FedBiz365 to help you identify, target, and win the opportunities that matter most.

Thanks for listening to FedBiz’5 — five minutes, countless opportunities.
Call a FedBiz Specialist today at 844-628-8914 and reference code GOV CON READY — that’s G-O-V C-O-N R-E-A-D-Y — for 10 percent off any product or service.

Until next time, stay proactive, stay prepared, and keep winning in government contracting.