Industry Contracting Guide
Government Contracts for Manufacturing
Federal manufacturing buys range from ammunition to precision optics. DLA Land and Maritime, the Army's industrial base, and the SHIPMAIN program are top targets for small manufacturers.
Industry snapshot
- Average contract size
- $50K–$10M
- Common certifications
- ISO 9001 · AS9100 · CMMC L2
Common government buyers
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
Supply chain for the U.S. military
- Department of Defense (DoD)
National defense and military operations
- Department of the Army (Army)
Land warfare, training, and logistics
Typical contract types
- FFP delivery order
- IDIQ
- BPA
Challenges to expect
- DPAS rating compliance
- First-article test failures
- Cyber DFARS 7012
Where the opportunities are right now
- Industrial Base Analysis funding
- DLA SIPR-Direct opportunities
- Defense Production Act Title III
Most relevant NAICS codes
- NAICS 332710 — Machine Shops
- NAICS 332994 — Small Arms, Ordnance & Ordnance Accessories
- NAICS 336992 — Military Armored Vehicle, Tank & Tank Component Manufacturing
States with the most manufacturing contracting activity
- Pennsylvania — ~$12.4B annual
- Ohio — ~$13.4B annual
- Indiana — ~$6.1B annual
FAQs
- What agencies buy the most manufacturing services?
- Top federal buyers for manufacturing include Defense Logistics Agency, Department of Defense, Department of the Army.
- What is the typical contract size in manufacturing?
- Average federal contract size in manufacturing ranges $50K–$10M, with the largest awards typically flowing through IDIQ MATOC pools and BPAs.
- Which NAICS codes apply to manufacturing?
- The most relevant NAICS codes are 332710 (Machine Shops); 332994 (Small Arms, Ordnance & Ordnance Accessories); 336992 (Military Armored Vehicle, Tank & Tank Component Manufacturing).
- What certifications matter most in manufacturing contracting?
- Common gating certifications include ISO 9001, AS9100, CMMC L2. Set-aside certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) layer on top for small businesses.
- What are the biggest challenges for new entrants?
- DPAS rating compliance; First-article test failures; Cyber DFARS 7012. These are surmountable but should be priced into your B&P investment.