Overview
The DOD is the largest contracting agency in the federal government by a wide margin. It awards roughly $400 billion per year across military branches, defense agencies, and combatant commands. Contracts span everything from aircraft carriers to cybersecurity audits to janitorial services at military bases.
Key NAICS Codes
541512
Computer Systems Design Services
541330
Engineering Services
561210
Facilities Support Services
336411
Aircraft Manufacturing
Set-Aside Programs
8(a) Business DevelopmentService-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB)HUBZoneWomen-Owned Small Business (WOSB)
Contract Vehicles
GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)
OASIS+ (professional services)
CIO-SP4 (IT services)
SEWP V (IT products)
Practical tip
Start with subcontracting. Large DOD primes like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and Booz Allen have mandatory small business subcontracting plans. Getting on a prime's approved vendor list is often faster than winning a direct DOD contract.