Buzz
The U.S. Government hires thousands of individuals and corporations as defense contractors annually. The Department of Defense, military branches, and collaborating companies recruit professionals in various fields such as security, IT, analysis, administration, science, medicine, accounting, and more. Additionally, both large and small businesses are contracted to supply essential services and products that contribute to national defense. While entering the defense contracting world may involve navigating significant bureaucracy and challenges, those who stay motivated and secure a security clearance will find a wealth of career prospects within this sector.
Procedure
Becoming an Independent Defense Contractor
Obtain U.S. Citizenship. Nearly all positions in U.S. defense contracting require applicants to be U.S. citizens. If you're not a natural-born citizen, you can pursue naturalization, which involves passing a comprehensive test covering English language skills and civics knowledge.
Be eligible for security clearance. While you cannot actually obtain a security clearance until you're employed in a government role or sponsored by a company or agency, it’s helpful to assess your eligibility in advance. If you've had a clearance before, that may be a positive sign for getting one again. Several factors can prevent you from acquiring a security clearance, including:
- Previous criminal convictions leading to over a year of imprisonment.
- Current use of illicit drugs or controlled substances.
- A mental incompetence finding by a DoD-approved mental health professional.
- A dishonorable discharge from the military.
- Reluctance to surrender a foreign passport.
- Severe or recurring financial difficulties.
- Deliberate falsehoods in the application process.
- Repeated alcohol abuse.
- A history of criminal behavior or rule violations.
Be open to relocation. Defense contractor roles exist worldwide, but if you're looking to secure your ideal position, flexibility in relocating will significantly increase your chances of success.
Connect with other defense contractors. A great way to understand the nuances of becoming a U.S. defense contractor is by engaging with professionals who already hold the job you're aiming for. These individuals can offer valuable advice on finding job opportunities, identifying potential pitfalls in listings, and, most importantly, provide guidance on how to tailor your resume and application to boost your chances of landing the role.
Review online job listings. The Department of Defense offers a job listing portal for civilian positions within the DoD and military branches. Visit the DoD website and click on the 'Employment' section, or use the main www.usajobs.gov platform and search for 'defense' to find related positions. Private defense contractor positions are typically advertised on major job boards such as monster.com and indeed.com. Use 'defense contractor' as your search term to discover available roles.
Complete your application thoroughly. Applying for government jobs is notorious for its extensive and detailed process. Be sure to read the application instructions carefully before starting and ensure that every section is filled out fully before submission. Honesty is crucial; as part of the hiring process, a background check will be conducted, and any discrepancies in your application could be uncovered.
Exercise patience. The process for government job hiring is much slower compared to the private sector. You can expect a waiting period of several weeks to a few months before learning if your application has passed the initial screening, and even longer to navigate through the full evaluation process. However, keep in mind that the stability, benefits, and salary that come with securing a government position will ultimately make the wait worthwhile.
Fully cooperate with the security clearance investigation. If you are selected as a finalist or offered a job, you will undergo a detailed security investigation to secure clearance. It is essential to comply with the process, respond to all questions truthfully and completely, and submit requested information promptly and accurately. While it’s frustrating to make it through the lengthy application process only to lose out due to a mistake or omission, it’s important to understand that this can happen.
Becoming a Small Business Defense Contractor
Understand that the U.S. Government wants to work with you! The U.S. Government is not just focused on large corporations. A significant portion of the Department of Defense’s contracting budget is dedicated to small businesses. Additionally, small businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities enjoy special advantages in the bidding process. Partnering with the DoD can be a significant opportunity for your small business!
Do your research. Working with the federal government requires understanding and adhering to complex rules and procedures. The U.S. Small Business Administration offers a detailed guide for small businesses seeking federal contracts. The ACQ also provides a valuable Guide to DOD Contracting Opportunities. It is crucial to familiarize yourself with these resources before pursuing government contracts.
- Although the materials are dense, the paperwork you'll face when seeking and maintaining government contracts will be just as challenging. Consider these resources a test to determine if you’re ready for the commitment.
Evaluate your company's offerings to the government. Before seeking government contracts, it is essential to have a deep understanding of your company and its capabilities. Clearly define the products or services you can provide, and determine a reasonable pricing strategy that allows you to stay competitive while ensuring profitability.
Prepare to apply for security clearance. Many defense contracts require that certain, or all, employees involved in fulfilling the contract obtain security clearance. Reflect on your background and any potential issues. If you did not conduct background checks on your employees when hiring, it's important to discuss your plans to pursue government contracts with them and inform them that they may need to secure clearance to continue working with your company.
Brace yourself for a lot of paperwork. The process of applying for and managing a federal contract involves a significant amount of paperwork and meticulous record-keeping. Make sure you’re prepared for this challenge, and be sure to allocate enough time and resources to handle the required documentation effectively.
Identify the NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) code for your product or service. To search for relevant contracts and complete applications, you will need to know your specific NAICS code. You can find this information at www.naics.com/search.
Register as a government contractor. To become an official government contractor, you will need to apply for a D-U-N-S identification number from Dun & Bradstreet. The process to obtain this number is free of charge.
Monitor the government website for available contracts. All federal contracts up for bid, including those with the Department of Defense and the Armed Forces, are posted on the 'Contract Opportunities' website [1]. Regularly check this site to find contracts your business may be eligible to compete for.
Reach out to your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) for guidance. These centers, found in most states, can assist you in figuring out the best strategies to market your products or services to the Department of Defense. They also provide more general marketing advice for small businesses.
Submit your proposal to the requesting agency. When responding to a bid, make sure to follow all the instructions laid out in the bid request. Be clear and specific in outlining how your company can meet the needs of the agency, and provide detailed product brochures and any relevant materials. Ensure that your presentation is as polished and professional as possible.
Network within the industry. While databases are helpful, building relationships within the defense industry is crucial for gaining insights into upcoming opportunities and the best ways to market your business for open contracts. Target specific agencies you want to work with and connect with individuals within them. Attend events these agencies host and stay updated on their websites or publications.
Follow the security clearance process. If you secure a contract that requires security clearance, the hiring agency will provide instructions on how to obtain clearance for you, your company, and your facility, depending on the contract's requirements. Be prepared to complete any initial paperwork and comply with all aspects of the investigation. Failing to comply or pass the clearance process will result in the cancellation of your contract.
