Industry Contracting Guide
Government Contracts for Space Systems
Space Force, NASA, NRO, and NOAA drive a rapidly expanding market — small satellites, ground systems, RPO, and on-orbit servicing.
Industry snapshot
- Average contract size
- $500K–$500M+
- Common certifications
- AS9100 · ITAR · TS/SCI
Common government buyers
- United States Space Force (USSF)
Military operations in, from, and to space
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Aeronautics, space exploration, and science
Typical contract types
- OTA
- IDIQ
- FFP-production
Challenges to expect
- NDA-required briefings
- Launch slot scheduling
- Cybersecurity for space
Where the opportunities are right now
- SDA Tranche awards
- NASA SBIR Ignite
- Space Force STRATFI/TACFI
Most relevant NAICS codes
- NAICS 336414 — Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing
- NAICS 541330 — Engineering Services
- NAICS 541715 — Research & Development in the Physical, Engineering & Life Sciences
States with the most space systems contracting activity
- Colorado — ~$14.1B annual
- California — ~$73.5B annual
- Alabama — ~$8.2B annual
FAQs
- What agencies buy the most space systems services?
- Top federal buyers for space systems include United States Space Force, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, NRO.
- What is the typical contract size in space systems?
- Average federal contract size in space systems ranges $500K–$500M+, with the largest awards typically flowing through IDIQ MATOC pools and BPAs.
- Which NAICS codes apply to space systems?
- The most relevant NAICS codes are 336414 (Guided Missile & Space Vehicle Manufacturing); 541330 (Engineering Services); 541715 (Research & Development in the Physical, Engineering & Life Sciences).
- What certifications matter most in space systems contracting?
- Common gating certifications include AS9100, ITAR, TS/SCI. Set-aside certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) layer on top for small businesses.
- What are the biggest challenges for new entrants?
- NDA-required briefings; Launch slot scheduling; Cybersecurity for space. These are surmountable but should be priced into your B&P investment.