The GSA Schedule market is often associated with Washington, D.C., Northern Virginia, and Maryland. However, the data shows that companies located outside the Beltway generated more than $12 billion in fiscal year 2025 from GSA Schedule sales.
We identified 8,212 small-business Schedule contractors located outside Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Together, these businesses averaged roughly $1.47 million per firm.
Those numbers demonstrate that a business does not need a Beltway address to build a meaningful GSA Schedule practice.
The following industries are ranked by the number of small-business GSA Schedule contractors located outside the Beltway.
Each firm was counted once under its listed primary NAICS industry. Sales represent the firm’s total reported GSA Schedule sales for FY2025. Because many Schedule holders recorded no sales during the year, both average and median sales are included.
NAICS 541511 - 704 small-business contractors.
These companies generated approximately $834.1 million in FY2025 Schedule sales, producing an average of $1.18 million per firm.
Programming services are in demand, but a successful entrant will normally need a defined technical specialization, an agency relationship, a teaming strategy, or identifiable opportunities before investing in the Schedule.
NAICS 541519 - 662 small-business contractors approximately $542.6 million in FY2025 Schedule sales. Average sales were approximately $819,699 per firm. This category is often paired with Custom computer Programming Services so for many firms a combination of the two sales figures is justified.
NAICS 541611 - 545 small-business contractors approximately $478.7 million in FY2025 Schedule sales. Average sales were approximately $878,281 per firm.
It is important to note that agencies rarely purchase “consulting” in the abstract. They purchase a specific outcome: program support, financial management, acquisition assistance, organizational transformation, logistics planning, or help implementing a mandated initiative.
Engineering was the standout industry in the outside-Beltway analysis.
NAICS 541330 - 446 small business contractors generated approximately $2.05 billion, which is more than any other industry in the top 10. Average sales reached approximately $4.60 million per firm.
Engineering firms may benefit from requirements connected to infrastructure, energy, environmental work, military installations, transportation, facilities, and specialized technical programs. Licenses, technical credentials, specialized personnel, and project experience can also create barriers that reduce competition.
NAICS 561210 – 293 small business contractors generated approximately $696.6 million, averaging $2.38 million per firm.
Facilities support can include integrated operations, maintenance, logistics, and related services. These contracts can become substantial because agencies require recurring support for buildings, installations, laboratories, and other government facilities.
NAICS 541620 - 239 small business contractors generated approximately $119 million in total sales. Averaging approximately $497,719 per vendor.
Opportunities may involve environmental compliance, assessments, remediation support, sustainability, natural-resource work, and assistance with federal facilities or infrastructure projects.
NAICS 334111 - 233 small businesses generated approximately $727.0 million, averaging $3.12 million per firm.
Product oriented categories can produce high sales because individual orders may include significant quantities of hardware.
NAICS 541512 - 227 small businesses generating approximately $420.4 million in sales. Average sales were approximately $1.85 million per firm. Computer System Design is often paired with #1 Custom Computer Programming Services and #2 Other Computer Related Services so an analysis should be completed if all three NAICS Codes are appropriate for your firm.
NAICS 611430 - 175 small businesses generating approximately $27.4 million in sales. Average sales were $156,487.
Training has one of the lowest barriers to entry in the top 10, which can make the market competitive. Agencies also have many alternatives, including internal training, universities, established training providers, and other contract vehicles.
NAICS 337214 - 170 small businesses generating approximately $129.1 million. Average sales were $759,288.
Furniture is a mature federal market, and therefore success depends on strong dealer networks, installation capabilities, space-planning services, delivery performance, product compliance, and access to established manufacturers.
If you fit into any of these Top 10 out of the beltway GSA Schedule categories and would like to see if your firm could benefit or qualify for a GSA Schedule Contract, feel free to call us at 859-360-0909
