Nailing the Details: How Contractors Can Succeed in Public Sector Construction
Last Updated Aug 27, 2025
Public sector construction offers opportunities for prestigious and lucrative work for contractors. However, the requirements and standards of private sector construction don’t fully translate into public work.
This article explores the key aspects of public sector work, what sets it apart from private projects and how contractors can prepare for high-level scrutiny, extended timelines and detail-oriented procedures to find success in a challenging and fulfilling field.
Table of contents
What Sets Public Sector Construction Apart
Firms wading into the public sector should expect increased paperwork and auditing. Transparency and red tape are natural to every job, impacting the key aspects of bidding and management.
Public sector projects can be both lucrative and rewarding for contractors, but they require a different approach compared to private sector work. Contractors who specialize in this space often develop a strong understanding of the complexities involved — from the unique bidding and procurement processes to the strict requirements that govern construction and closeout.
Michael Spano
Solutions Engineer, Public Sector
Procore Technologies
Different Sub-sectors, Different Regulations
The public sector is not homogenous: Municipalities, cities, counties, states and the federal government each set their own terms.
Even the federal government is not a monolith. For instance, Department of Defense (DoD) agencies often align their construction projects with Unified Facilities Guide Specifications (UFGS), but other federal agencies, such as the General Services Administration (GSA), might impose different specifications and requirements.
Advanced Cybersecurity Requirements
As frequent targets of cybercriminals, public agencies impose strict cybersecurity demands. Requirements vary by entity, such as the Department of Defense’s Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), which requires contractors to align with rising tiers of cybersecurity standards, depending on the project’s security risk.
The Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) provides a standardized, reusable federal cybersecurity approval for cloud service providers (CSP), such as the construction management software essential to today’s jobsites. One approval can be reused, as long as the CSP maintains its certification.
In the wake of 9/11, officials recognized that greater information sharing among government agencies might have prevented the tragedy. As a result, a government-wide initiative was launched with the goal of facilitating information sharing while protecting sensitive details.
Kacie Goff
Contributing Writer
Procore Technologies
Specialized Contractor Requirements
Certain high-security projects may require background checks and restrict site access for personnel with criminal records or non-U.S. citizenship. In other cases, such as healthcare-related projects, personnel may be required to provide proof of specific vaccinations in order to obtain site access badges.
Additionally, many public-sector projects require that a percentage of contractors and subtier contractors be certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and/or Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB).
Prevailing Wage Rules
Under the federal Davis-Bacon Act, contractors must pay prevailing wages and benefits established by the Department of Labor. Non-compliance can draw substantial penalties, including withheld payments and hefty fines.
Buy America, Buy American
Many public-sector contracts are bound by domestic-supply rules. The Buy American Act requires domestic purchasing for materials valued at over $10,000 in construction work on federal facilities.
The Buy America Act also mandates American-made steel and iron on transportation projects such as highways and rapid transit. The rules can send costs drastically higher, and lax procurement procedures can cut into profit margins.
Track material prices, control your project budget
Stay informed about market fluctuations with our free Material Price Tracker.
Access the price tracker
Making It Work with Public Work
When tackling public projects, meticulous construction management is the key to success. Contractors can also keep these additional considerations in mind.
Keep watching the market.
Gaining a foothold in public-sector construction is a matter of watching federal, state and local websites for publicly posted RFPs. Registering at www.SAM.gov qualifies potential bidders to access federal RFPs, while states operate their own sites.
Vet and choose subcontractors early.
Strict vetting and alignment apply to everyone on the job, so it’s wise to line up subtier contractors early and collaborate on addressing the requirements.
Expect longer timelines.
Whether it’s minutes or years, public sector jobs take more time. Long lines for badge checks at highly sensitive sites, such as Department of Defense facilities, shave time off the start of each workday. Strict oversight, red tape and waits for funding approvals can add months or years, as compared to private sector work.
Keep relationships strong.
Lowest bidders must watch every penny. Strong relationships with suppliers can enhance the search for lowest-cost materials that meet purchasing requirements.
Always be transparent.
Crisp and clean documentation is imperative. Public agencies are watching every dime, procedure and person. And at any time, a citizen can file a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to see the records.
Strong partnerships with contractors and public agencies start with recognizing the agency’s responsibility to the public: keeping the community and project safe, managing funds wisely and showing transparency in how tax dollars are used.
Michael Spano
Solutions Engineer, Public Sector
Procore Technologies
Broadening Building Horizons
As touched on previously, precise and diligent management is key to excelling on public jobs. Efficient use of construction management software can help corral the documentation, vetting, accounting and certifications needed to win jobs and succeed in the public sector.
Taking one-off public-sector jobs might not deliver the return on investment needed in processes and people — but contractors who specialize learn how to extract ROI while also enhancing their prestige and creating the satisfaction of contributing to projects that protect lives and build communities.
Was this article helpful?
Scroll less, learn more about construction.
Subscribe to The Blueprint, Procore’s construction newsletter, to get content from industry experts delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking this button, you agree to our Privacy Notice and Terms of Service.
Categories:
Tags:
Written by
Michael Spano
Solutions Engineer, Public Sector | Procore Technologies
Michael Spano is a Procore Solutions Engineer who partners with Public Sector agencies to deliver tailored technical solutions for their project management and construction processes. Michael brings a strong background in the construction and engineering industries, having spent time focusing on HVAC, plumbing design and managing a wide range of construction projects.
View profileDiane McCormick
Writer | Procore Technologies
26 articles
Diane McCormick is a freelance journalist covering construction, packaging, manufacturing, natural gas distribution, and waste oil recycling. A proud resident of Harrisburg, PA, Diane is well-versed in several types of digital and print media. Recognized as one of the premier voices in her region, she was recognized as the Keystone Media Freelance Journalist of the Year in 2022 and again in 2023.
View profileExplore more helpful resources
What Happens When Data Drives the Business?
Construction has long been seen as a low-margin industry. But what if the real problem isn’t the margins—it’s how decisions get made? In episode 17 of The Power of Construction,...
From Schedule to Site: How to Develop a Resource Plan
Every project depends on the effective use of three core resources: labor, equipment and materials. Resource planning is the process of allocating these assets in a way that maximizes their...
How GCs Gain Control and Insight With Budget Tracking Tools
General contractors (GCs) operate on razor-thin margins. The unexpected can easily eat into their profits — or even mean taking a loss on a project. Fortunately, budget tracking tools are...
Interface Time: Why Managing Complex Jobsite Interfaces Is a Priority
On every job, the interfaces that channel complex communications across teams demand careful management. Success depends on setting and enforcing consistent standards. This standards-based collaboration model is built on open...
Free Tools
Calculators
Use our calculators to estimate the cost of construction materials for your next project.
Templates
Find a template to help you with your construction project tasks.
Material Price Tracker
Get the latest U.S. retail prices and view historical trends for common building materials.
Glossary
Explore key terms and phrases used in the industry.