What are the requirements for a government cleaning contract?

Government cleaning contracts typically require commercial general liability and workers' compensation insurance at stated minimums, sometimes a performance bond, employee background checks, OSHA compliance documentation, and prevailing-wage compliance under the Service Contract Act on covered federal work. The exact figures and which requirements apply vary by agency and solicitation, so the contract document and your contracting officer are the authorities. The one that surprises operators most is prevailing wage — many wrongly assume Davis-Bacon applies, when janitorial service work falls under the Service Contract Act instead.

Does Davis-Bacon apply to cleaning companies?

Usually no. The Davis-Bacon Act applies to construction, alteration, and repair of public buildings — not to routine janitorial service work. Cleaning contractors on covered federal contracts generally fall under the McNamara-O'Hara Service Contract Act (SCA), which sets prevailing wages and fringe benefits for service employees. The confusion is common and costly, because the two laws have different wage determinations and different reporting. If your contract involves cleaning services rather than construction, confirm which act your solicitation cites, but expect the SCA.

Do you need a bond for a government cleaning contract?

Sometimes. Whether a performance bond's required depends on the contract and agency, and it's stated in the solicitation. Bonds guarantee you'll perform, and they typically cost a small percentage of contract value, priced by a surety on your financial strength. If one's required, arrange it early, because getting bonded takes time and a surety'll review your finances. Don't wait until after award to find out whether you can secure it.