Government relocations come with certain requirements that standard residential and commercial moves do not. Federal agencies follow specific procurement rules, and the moving companies they work with need to meet a higher set of standards. Knowing what credentials to look for can save time and prevent problems during the move.
CHAMP Approval
The Centralized Household Goods Traffic Management Program (CHAMP) is the GSA’s system for managing federal employee household goods moves. Carriers approved through CHAMP have already been vetted for service quality, pricing, and compliance. Working with a CHAMP-approved mover means the company has met federal standards and is authorized to handle government-funded relocations.
CAGE and UEI Registration
A Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE) code and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) are required for any company doing business with the federal government. These identifiers allow contracting officers to verify a vendor on SAM.gov and confirm that the company is registered, active, and eligible to receive government contracts. If a moving company cannot provide these, they are not set up to handle government work.
Past Performance with Federal Agencies
Experience matters more in government moving than in most other sectors. Agencies evaluate vendors based on documented past performance. A track record of completed work for federal clients carries significant weight during the selection process. Look for movers who have handled relocations for specific agencies rather than companies that list government moving as a service.
SBA Small Business Designation
Many federal contracts include work reserved for SBA-designated small businesses. Agencies actively seek qualified small business movers to meet these requirements. A moving company with SBA small business status gives contracting officers an additional reason to award the work.
Department of Energy Tender Status
For relocations tied to national laboratories, DOE facilities, or energy sector operations, tender status with the Department of Energy indicates that the carrier has been approved to handle moves within that agency’s framework.
Proper Licensing and Insurance
At a minimum, any government mover should hold a USDOT number, a Motor Carrier (MC) authority, and the appropriate state operating license. General liability and workers’ compensation insurance should be active and verifiable. These are baseline requirements, but not every company maintains them consistently, so verification through the FMCSA database is always worth the time.
APACA Moving and Storage checks every one of these boxes. We are CHAMP approved, registered with a CAGE code (050L9) and UEI (ZW85KFDCP449), and hold an SBA small business designation. Our past performance includes completed relocations for the Department of Defense, Department of Energy National Laboratories, GSA/CHAMP, U.S. Fish and Wildlife, HUNT Military Housing, and International Boundary Water Services.
We hold Department of Energy tender status and maintain full licensing through the NMPRC, USDOT, and FMCSA. If your agency or facility needs a qualified moving company for a government relocation in New Mexico, APACA has the credentials and the experience to get it done right.
