Doing Business with the Department of Homeland Security

The Department of Homeland Security has a government mandated goal of awarding 33.5% of primary contracts, and 40% of sub-contracts to small businesses in 2010. 5% is targeted for disadvantaged small businesses, 5% for women-owned small businesses, and 3% to disabled-veteran owned small businesses.

The Department of Homeland Security purchases a wide variety of goods and services. They need everything from computer equipment and IT support to electrical equipment to construction services to security services, airplane parts, and food service. View a full list from the Open for Business page on the dhs.com website. For example, you can view a Forecast of Contract Opportunities and a listing of Current Opportunities.  There is also a special program for security IT services.

So how does your small business do business with the Department of Homeland Security? The first step is to contact the small business specialist who purchases the goods and services you sell. You can find a list of contacts, along with their phone numbers, email addresses, and their purchasing responsibilities on the Homeland Security Small Business Specialists page.

Alternately, you can partner with a large company looking for small business sub-contractors. On the Prime Contractor page you’ll find a list of companies and the types of subcontractors they need. If you see a fit for your company, contact the person listed—name, phone, email, and a link to the company’s website are provided.

For even more information, visit the Department of Homeland Security Small Business Assistance page. It provides detailed assistance and requirements for small business contractors including a handy getting started guide and a FAQ.