Industry Contracting Guide
Government Contracts for Training & Simulation
DoD's training and simulation enterprise (NAWCTSD, PEO STRI, AFAMS) drives a multi-billion-dollar market for live, virtual, and constructive training systems.
Industry snapshot
- Average contract size
- $500K–$50M
- Common certifications
- AS9100 · ATD · ISD
Common government buyers
- Department of the Navy (Navy)
Maritime power projection and amphibious operations
- Department of the Army (Army)
Land warfare, training, and logistics
- Department of the Air Force (Air Force)
Air and space operations (covers Air Force and Space Force)
Typical contract types
- IDIQ
- Cost-plus
- OTA
Challenges to expect
- ITAR exports
- Distributed sim interoperability
- ISD certification
Where the opportunities are right now
- NAWCTSD TOMA contracts
- Army RCCTO accelerated prototypes
- AFAMS simulator updates
Most relevant NAICS codes
- NAICS 611430 — Professional & Management Development Training
- NAICS 541330 — Engineering Services
States with the most training & simulation contracting activity
FAQs
- What agencies buy the most training & simulation services?
- Top federal buyers for training & simulation include Department of the Navy, Department of the Army, Department of the Air Force.
- What is the typical contract size in training & simulation?
- Average federal contract size in training & simulation ranges $500K–$50M, with the largest awards typically flowing through IDIQ MATOC pools and BPAs.
- Which NAICS codes apply to training & simulation?
- The most relevant NAICS codes are 611430 (Professional & Management Development Training); 611699 (); 541330 (Engineering Services).
- What certifications matter most in training & simulation contracting?
- Common gating certifications include AS9100, ATD, ISD. Set-aside certifications (8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, SDVOSB) layer on top for small businesses.
- What are the biggest challenges for new entrants?
- ITAR exports; Distributed sim interoperability; ISD certification. These are surmountable but should be priced into your B&P investment.