What does Department Of Defense do?

The Department of Defense focuses on the advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences research and development to maintain technological superiority. Strategic priorities emphasize the integration of sophisticated computer systems design, custom software development, and the manufacturing of precision instruments for search, detection, navigation, and guidance. The agency also prioritizes the maintenance of industrial machinery and the procurement of critical medical supplies, such as blood products, to support operational readiness. Procurement patterns show a heavy reliance on professional services, specifically engineering and administrative management consulting. There is a consistent demand for software publishers and computing infrastructure providers to support data governance and privacy initiatives. The agency frequently utilizes subcontracts for specialized technical tasks, including geotechnical testing, environmental compliance, and site restoration planning. The agency targets a wide array of NAICS categories, with a primary focus on scientific research, engineering services, and computer systems design. There is a strong preference for Small Business Administration set-asides, including 8(a) and Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) certifications, indicating a commitment to diversifying the industrial base. The organization operates as a large-scale entity under the Department of Defense, utilizing a mix of subcontracts, special notices, and sole-source vehicles to acquire both specialized technical services and raw materials for infrastructure projects.

How do I find contracts from Department Of Defense?

You can find contracts from Department Of Defense on CLEATUS by visiting the agency's contracts tab. Search and filter by contract type, NAICS code, set-aside, and more. CLEATUS aggregates data from SAM.gov, FPDS, USASpending.gov, and state procurement systems.

How much does Department Of Defense spend on contracts?

In the last 12 months, Department Of Defense has obligated $405,708,921,451 across 2,946,295 contract awards to 44,814 contractors. The agency currently has 39,004 active contract opportunities.

What industries does Department Of Defense contract in?

Department Of Defense primarily contracts in the following industries: MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS (NAICS 423450), PERISHABLE PREPARED FOOD MANUFACTURING (NAICS 311991), DRUGS AND DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS (NAICS 424210), COMMERCIAL BAKERIES (NAICS 311812), PETROLEUM REFINERIES (NAICS 324110). These NAICS codes represent the most active procurement categories for this agency in the last 12 months.

What contracts does Department Of Defense award?

Department Of Defense has awarded 2,946,295 contracts in the last 12 months, totaling $405,708,921,451 in obligations across 44,814 contractors. Top procurement categories include MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS, Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing, DRUGS AND DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS. Browse all contracts .

How do I do business with Department Of Defense?

To do business with Department Of Defense, start by registering in SAM.gov and obtaining a UEI number. Then search for contract opportunities from this agency on CLEATUS. Review the agency's procurement history, identify relevant NAICS codes, and prepare competitive proposals. The contractors tab shows companies that have won contracts from this agency.

What is Department Of Defense's annual contract spend?

Department Of Defense has obligated $405,708,921,451 in contract awards over the last 12 months. This includes 2,946,295 contract actions to 44,814 unique contractors. The agency currently has 39,004 active contract opportunities.

What NAICS codes does Department Of Defense use?

Department Of Defense primarily uses the following NAICS codes: 423450 (MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS), 311991 (Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing), 424210 (DRUGS AND DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS), 311812 (COMMERCIAL BAKERIES), 324110 (Petroleum Refineries). These represent the most common industry classifications for contracts awarded by this agency in the last 12 months.

Who are the top contractors for Department Of Defense?

View the full list of contractors who have won awards from Department Of Defense in the contractors tab . You can filter by contract value, NAICS code, and set-aside type to find relevant competitors and potential teaming partners.

What set-aside programs does Department Of Defense use?

Department Of Defense uses 10 different set-aside programs, including Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5), Total Small Business Set-Aside, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set Aside, and Women-Owned Small Business. These programs reserve a portion of contracts for qualifying businesses. View the set-aside breakdown on the agency overview.

What are the sub-agencies of Department Of Defense?

Department Of Defense has 165 sub-agencies that award contracts independently. Each sub-agency has its own procurement activity, NAICS codes, and contractor relationships. View the full list on the agency overview.

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Federal Agency· 097

Department Of Defense

Federal Government Agency

The Department of Defense focuses on the advancement of physical, engineering, and life sciences research and development to maintain technological superiority. Strategic priorities emphasize the integration of sophisticated computer systems design, custom software development, and the manufacturing of precision instruments for search, detection, navigation, and guidance.

Department Of Defense is a government agency with procurement activity across contracts, awards, and contractors. Over the last 12 months, Department Of Defense has obligated $405,708,921,451, issued 2,946,295 awards, and worked with 44,814 contractors. It currently has 39,004 open contract opportunities. Procurement is concentrated in MEDICAL, DENTAL, AND HOSPITAL EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS, PERISHABLE PREPARED FOOD MANUFACTURING, and DRUGS AND DRUGGISTS' SUNDRIES MERCHANT WHOLESALERS.

39.0K

Active Contracts

$405.7B

Total Obligations (12mo)

Top

Leadership and vacancies

Senate-confirmed and senior-executive posts at Department Of Defense and its sub-agencies, as published in the OPM Plum Book. These are leadership positions, not total employees.

Source: OPM Plum Book · Last confirmed 11/02/2026

Leadership posts

2,664

Filled

1,960

Vacant

704

26% of posts

Acting officials

Showing the 50 most senior of 2,664 posts

Posts of Department Of Defense

		Status		Appointment	Pay grade	Salary	Location
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	--	PAS	EX-III	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	--	PAS	EX-III	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	--	PAS	EX-III	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	Jan 2025	PAS	EX-IV	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	--	PAS	EX-IV	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	--	PAS	EX-IV	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	--	Vacant	Jan 2025	PAS	EX-IV	--	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	PETER HEGSETH	Filled	Jan 2025	PAS	EX-I	$203,500	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	PETER HEGSETH	Filled	Jan 2025	PAS	EX-I	$203,500	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA
Department Of Defense	PETER HEGSETH	Filled	Jan 2025	PAS	EX-I	$203,500	PENTAGON, ARLINGTON, VA

Top Department Of Defense Contractors

Companies with the highest total award amounts from this agency, ranked by contract value.

Company	Total Awards	Contracts
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION	$354.1B	9,470
ELECTRIC BOAT CORPORATION	$166.5B	9,355
THE BOEING COMPANY	$147.4B	14,012
RAYTHEON COMPANY	$126.8B	6,490
HUMANA GOVERNMENT BUSINESS INC	$109.7B	194
RTX CORPORATION	$105.9B	31,814
THE BOEING COMPANY	$97.9B	18,426
LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION	$90.6B	1,247
SIKORSKY AIRCRAFT CORPORATION	$77.8B	355,539
HUNTINGTON INGALLS INCORPORATED	$73.6B	216