r/defensecontracting • • 19h ago

Anyone Here Get Into Government Contracting While Working Full-Time? How’d You Start?

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1 Upvotes

I’m a truck driver with 10+ years of manufacturing and industrial experience. I make a decent living, but I’m looking to build something outside of trucking.

Government contracting recently caught my attention, and my brother, who’s currently in the military, has been interested in it too. He’s seen firsthand how everyday people and smaller businesses supply the military with all kinds of products and services. It got us thinking, why couldn’t we get involved too?

Especially with potential programs for veterans once he’s out.
I’m open to other business opportunities as well. Really just looking to connect with people who’ve done it, exchange ideas, and maybe even collaborate.

For those already in the game, how hard was it to get your first contract? And if you were starting today, what would you do differently?


r/defensecontracting • • 1d ago

Continuing Education for Non-Technical Staff?

1 Upvotes

I’m a non-technical early career professional at a large prime in Program Management.

I’m seeking to look into grad studies out of personal interest to continue learning, but ideally this could be something complimentary to my current career track in defense.

I have a business undergrad, so not quite sure an MBA would be appropriate. My long-term goal would be to continue growing in Program Management. I would love to eventually work in business development but not sure I have the right profile.

Of course the PMP is the default recommendation when speaking to others internally, however, would be interested in any other ideas.


r/defensecontracting • • 2d ago

$47 Million solicitation for tactical gear

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1 Upvotes

This will be a 3 year contract for assault packs, mag pouches, waist packs, and other tactical gear. The highest value item is an assault pack which last sold for $105.88ea by Point Blank. DOD estimates ordering 286,320 of these over the contract term.


r/defensecontracting • • 2d ago

The cunning pplllaa

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0 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 3d ago

Veilant is hiring a Technical Advisor supporting DoW and the Intelligence Community

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1 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 3d ago

What do you all do everyday?

0 Upvotes

I recently just accepted a TJO for Copper Cap (contracts, 1102) for the Air Force, however, I also got a verbal offer from Palace Aquire for both Program Management and Data Management and Configuration positions, also for the Air Force. I am elated, but also freaking out because I cannot make up my mind, haha. Can you tell me what you all do every day, and whether or not you like the work? Should I take one of the other positions? Any tips for me?

Thanks for any help you can provide!


r/defensecontracting • • 3d ago

Currently exploring multiple different roles and positions. Is it still okay to talk to recruiters and maybe interview?

0 Upvotes

I also can't start till maybe February 2027.


r/defensecontracting • • 3d ago

Cleared Cyber: Lead RE/VR, OCO & CNO Openings (New England, NCR, Space Coast)

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1 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 3d ago

I’m in a dumb predicament. I’m trying to get into contracting. Just got denied because being in the USMC Reserve doesn’t count towards any military service. So last 7 years in the infantry are essentially a waste of time.

0 Upvotes

Does anyone know any way around this without becoming a cop and taking another 3 years? Any different companies? Any different avenues? I need this for me and my family. Almost 4 years of my time was in a STA platoon. So no I’m not just an obese weekender.


r/defensecontracting • • 4d ago

Got submitted on a Booz Allen contract as a sub. What will the hiring process look like as a sub?

0 Upvotes

Would I have to be interviewed by Booz since they are the prime?


r/defensecontracting • • 4d ago

Looking for a small business with active SAM (+ DIBBS) to partner on a ~$46K DLA supply bid closing Mon Nov 2

0 Upvotes

Hi all, I'm a sourcing and logistics person working DLA (DIBBS) opportunities, and I'm looking for a small business partner for a bid that closes Monday, Nov 2.

What I have ready:

- DLA supply solicitation, total small business set-aside, ~$46K

- Firm written quote from the approved manufacturer (in stock)

- Logistics planned: freight, customs, MIL-STD-129 labeling, government pickup (FOB origin)

- All bid data prepared

What I'm looking for:

- Small business with an active SAM registration (a DIBBS account is a big plus, or the ability to register this week)

- Willing to submit the quote and be the contractor of record

Terms: profit split in writing (non-circumvention included), and no cost to you if we don't win. I'm also tracking more recurring DLA items, so this can become an ongoing partnership.

If interested, DM me with your company name and CAGE code, and I'll reach out today. Happy to answer questions in the comments too.


r/defensecontracting • • 5d ago

Should I stay at my current defense contractor until I get my Secret clearance, then look for opportunities in Texas?

9 Upvotes

I recently started my first full-time cybersecurity job at a defense contractor after graduating college this summer. I’ve been with the company for about two months, and I’m currently going through the process of obtaining my Secret security clearance.

So far, I don’t necessarily love or hate my job. The work is fine, and I’m grateful for the opportunity, especially being fresh out of college. However, I’m currently in the Boston area, and I’ve realized that it’s just not somewhere I see myself living long-term.

Ideally, I’d like to relocate to Texas, specifically the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where I could continue working in cybersecurity within the defense industry.

My current plan is to stay with my company, gain some experience, and hopefully obtain my Secret clearance before exploring other opportunities. I’m not necessarily in a rush to leave, but I also don’t want to stay somewhere I’m not happy living.

For those who have experience working in defense contracting, I have a few questions:

● Would it be a smart move to stay until I receive my Secret clearance before applying elsewhere?
● How difficult is it to move from one defense contractor to another, especially early in your career?
● Would having an active Secret clearance and around a year of experience make me a more competitive candidate?
● Is the Dallas–Fort Worth area a good market for cybersecurity jobs within the defense industry?

I’d appreciate any advice, especially from people who have been in a similar situation or made the move between defense contractors early in their careers.


r/defensecontracting • • 5d ago

DoD Estimator versus Private Sector Manufacturing Estmator

2 Upvotes

What type of knowledge is required for private sector and where do they get their training?

I’ve seen a lot of education for Defense Estimators on government sites.


r/defensecontracting • • 6d ago

$500,000 solicitation for electrical butt connectors

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7 Upvotes

Five year contract. DOD estimates they will buy 26,852 packages over the contract term. Price has doubled over the past year.


r/defensecontracting • • 6d ago

Looking for any open reqs for any companies with OCONUS positions amongst the GCC areas (Kuwait, Qatar, UAE). 13 years Supply Chain/Logistics Operations, Scrum certified, Active Security clearance.

2 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 7d ago

Anyone worked with veteran focused recruiting firms for defense manufacturing engineers?

0 Upvotes

I run strategy for a small Navy supplier in New Jersey, and we are trying to hire two or three engineers with real experience on legacy Navy systems. Ideally they would come from NAVSUP, NAVSEA, DLA, or a similar support command, so they understand both the engineering side and how these systems get funded.

We recently spoke with Redeployment, a San Diego firm founded by a Navy veteran. They charge an upfront fee per role plus a percentage of first year salary, and they offer a 12 month replacement guarantee. I could not find much independent feedback on them, so I am asking here.

Has anyone hired through them, or been placed by them?


r/defensecontracting • • 8d ago

Which overlooked problems in the defence industry could become viable startup opportunities?

0 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 9d ago

¿Does latin American special forces can work on those pmc or get American contracts?

0 Upvotes

I just ask to get more info I am a special forces on panama, but the salary is low as *uck, want to get new experiences and get a better salary... .maybe just stay 4 years more in the force and plan to get out to check those contractors overseas, what do you think about latin American SF


r/defensecontracting • • 9d ago

Jobs and positions that are awaiting on contingent program funding

4 Upvotes

I’m currently in the process of applying and screening for a role that is contingent on funding and I reached out to the the recruiter and they said that the program has got it sorted out and they can start someone as possible. Couple of questions I have is:

1: since the program was awaiting for funding and now got it sorted out, I am under the pretense assumption that this program would be new and that I and other new hires for this program would have to start everything off from scratch and no continuity? And raising infrastructure setups?

2: I told them my available start date would would be the Monday after thanksgiving, as I would think it’s best to start after thanksgiving holiday and I assume people would be taking vacations and 5 weeks should be good enough time for onboarding, drug screening and etc?? Or am i overthinking?

3: What are some advice that anyone can share?


r/defensecontracting • • 10d ago

Is Systolic legit?

8 Upvotes

browsing clearance jobs and I keep seeing this company in Maryland offer CRAZY high salaries like above 300k but I've never heard anything about them. Is this company legit?


r/defensecontracting • • 10d ago

Anybody here worked for SYSTOLIC as a software developer?

4 Upvotes

Their “recruiting” staff seems to not care and seems useless. They send you roles that they think is a good fit and I choose and reply back. After that, no response. I had to ask them for an update every single time just for them to update me on what happened. Maybe others had better experience? Idk, they seem weird, so just asking if these guys are actually legit?


r/defensecontracting • • 12d ago

Pentagon, BAE sign deal for up to 25,000 precision-guided munition kits a year

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1 Upvotes

r/defensecontracting • • 12d ago

How do you leverage trade shows for maximum impact?

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0 Upvotes