When most people think about 8(a) businesses in the federal space, a few industries come to mind right away: IT, construction, and management consulting. And it's true—those three dominate the field:

* Information Technology (IT): 30–40% of all 8(a) firms

* Construction: 20–25%

* Management Consulting: 10–15%

But what if your business doesn’t fit neatly into one of these categories? The good news, there are plenty of overlooked, high-growth niche industries where 8(a) firms are not just surviving, but thriving.

Here are eight under-the-radar industries where 8(a) firms are landing significant federal contracts—and why they’re worth exploring.

1. Facilities Support Services (NAICS 561210) - Total Federal Sales: $3.8B

Examples: Secure facility janitorial services, HVAC maintenance, landscaping

Why it works: These contracts are often long-term and include option years. While the work is straightforward, the margins are stable—and the government needs it consistently.

2. Security Services – Physical & Cyber (NAICS 561612) - Total Federal Sales: $1.8B

Examples: Armed/unarmed guards, vulnerability assessments, penetration testing

Why it works: Security is non-negotiable for federal sites. Contracts often include bundled services, creating opportunities for niche subcontractors with the right expertise.

3. Language & Translation Services (NAICS 541930) - Total Federal Sales: $1.2B

Examples: Real-time interpreters, document translation, cultural consulting

Why it works: There’s constant demand—especially in agencies like the DoD, DHS, and DOJ—but relatively few cleared linguists, giving firms in this space a strong competitive edge.

4. Health IT Support & Medical Admin Services (NAICS 561110) - Total Federal Sales: $898M

Examples: Medical coding, telehealth support, health record digitization

Why it works: Agencies like the VA and HHS need ongoing support. If you're able to offer HIPAA-compliant, tech-enabled services, this is a solid recurring revenue opportunity.

5. Training & Instructional Design (NAICS 611430) - Total Federal Sales: $735M

Examples: Cybersecurity training, DEI workshops, learning management systems (LMS)

Why it works: Federal mandates drive continuous training requirements. Digital delivery options make this space both scalable and cost-effective.

6. Environmental Consulting Services (NAICS 541620) - Total Federal Sales: $487.4M

Examples: Mold remediation, water quality testing, hazardous waste handling

Why it works: Environmental work is often compliance-driven and urgent, creating room for small businesses with specialized expertise.

7. Document & Data Management (NAICS 518210) - Total Federal Sales: $342.5M

Examples: Digitization, FOIA processing, metadata tagging

Why it works: These services are essential but often overlooked. It’s labor-intensive work that many agencies are happy to outsource entirely.

8. Specialized Logistics & Transportation (NAICS 484230) - Total Federal Sales: $91.8M

Examples: Medical couriers, secure transport of classified materials, last-mile logistics

Why it works: Government agencies operate on tight schedules and remote missions—timely, reliable transport is mission-critical.

Bottom Line....Don’t Sleep on the Niches.

If your business doesn’t fit within the “Big Three” 8(a) industries, that might actually be an advantage. Less competition and focused expertise can open doors just as wide—sometimes even wider—in the federal space.

Do your research, understand your target agency’s pain points, and lead with value. The opportunities are there—you just need to know where to look.

If you are wondering if your industry or your firm are a good fit for 8(a), I always recommend contacting an industry expert such as ez8a. Their almost two decades of helping firms obtain the 8(a) Certification have led them to understand which industries create the most opportunities within the federal marketplace. They do not charge for the initial consultation.