DoD Office of Small Business Programs

Doing Business with the DoD

Getting Started

This is the "how-to" section of working with the Department of Defense. Information includes guides on marketing to the DoD, government contracting basics and subcontracting fundamentals.

Resources

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs), are charged with assisting businesses in learning how to do business with federal, state, and local governments. PTACs are a local resource available at no or nominal cost that can provide assistance to business firms in marketing their products and services. They offer training to businesses on how to research and bid on contracts, assist with registration requirements, provide bid-matching services, and assist with pre and post contracting issues.

Prime Contractors with Subcontracting Plans [xlsx]

This FY 2014 directory is intended for small business concerns seeking opportunities with DoD prime contractors. The directory is a listing of large business prime contractors who are required to establish subcontracting plans with goals. The report is generated from data contained in the Individual Subcontract Reports (ISRs) submitted in the Electronic Subcontracting Reporting System (eSRS) by contractors and from data contained in the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS). The directory includes the name of the prime contractor; the major product/service code (PSC) provided to DoD; the major NAICS of the company; name, telephone number and email address of the company’s point of contact; contract number with the effective date and completion date, ultimate contract value and obligated dollars. In addition, many companies have websites with additional information which may be useful in your search for subcontracting opportunities or teaming arrangements.

Locate a Small Business Professional

Small Business Professionals serve as the primary liaison between private-sector small businesses seeking to do business with government agencies. Specialists advise small businesses regarding current acquisitions contracts available from the federal government.

Procurement Forecasts & the Department of Defense

The Department of Defense, due to its size and scope, does not have a single, comprehensive source for future procurements. Procurements are made locally and within the various services and agencies. Business Intelligence, relative to future procurement planning, would be gathered at the local level.

For the purposes of forecasting, knowledge of past behavior is useful. Click here for a table of DoD acquisitions in FY10 summarized by NAICS code. The FY10 data has been validated but FPDS data is dynamic and changes continuously.

Non-Appropriated Fund Customers

Non-appropriated fund customers operate similar to non-profit organizations and include commissaries, exchanges, recreation and fitness centers, dining at officer/enlisted/civilian clubs, and barber/beauty services, just to name a few. For more information click here.

Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)