Department of Defense Contracts

Defense contracts come with compliance requirements that go beyond standard federal procurement rules. The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) adds DoD-specific clauses to every contract, covering everything from cybersecurity to cost accounting.

The Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is increasingly required for contractors that handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). CMMC Level 2 aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and requires a third-party assessment. Many small businesses start with Level 1 (basic cyber hygiene) and work toward Level 2 over time.

Some contracts require facility or personnel security clearances, which can take 6 to 18 months to obtain. If your work involves defense articles or technical data, you may also need to comply with International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), which restrict how information is shared and stored.

DoD uses several contract vehicles depending on the procurement. Firm-fixed-price (FFP) contracts are common for well-defined requirements — you agree on a price upfront and deliver. Cost-plus contracts reimburse allowable costs plus a fee, and are typical for R&D work where scope is uncertain. Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts establish a framework for ordering over multiple years, with task orders issued as needs arise. Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts (GWACs) like SEWP and Alliant provide pre-competed vehicles for IT purchases.

DoD has its own Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and is required to meet small business contracting goals — typically 23% or more of contract dollars. The DoD Mentor-Protege program pairs small businesses with large prime contractors for technical assistance, financial support, and subcontracting experience. SubNet, the DoD's subcontracting network, connects small businesses with prime contractors seeking partners on large contracts.

DoD opportunities are posted on SAM.gov, the DLA Internet Bid Board System (DIBBS), and individual service branch procurement portals. The volume is enormous — thousands of new solicitations appear every week — and relevant opportunities are easily buried.

GovSentry searches SAM.gov, DLA, and other defense procurement sources automatically. Opportunities are scored against your NAICS codes and capabilities, and you receive alerts when high-relevance DoD contracts appear — along with AI-generated analysis of incumbents, pricing, and win probability.