Department of Defense(DoD)
The federal department responsible for the military and national security, and the largest federal contracting agency by spending.
Overview
The Department of Defense (DoD) is the federal executive department responsible for coordinating and supervising all functions related to national security and the United States Armed Forces. Headquartered at the Pentagon, DoD encompasses the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and numerous defense agencies. With annual contract spending exceeding $400 billion, DoD is by far the largest buyer in the federal marketplace.
Why It Matters in GovCon
DoD contracts represent the largest segment of the federal contracting market. The department's acquisition system — governed by DFARS, the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, and extensive oversight mechanisms — sets the standard for complexity in government procurement. Contractors serving DoD must navigate unique requirements including security clearances, CMMC, ITAR, and specialized cost accounting standards.
Key Details
- Spending: DoD accounts for roughly two-thirds of all federal contract spending, exceeding $400 billion annually.
- DFARS: The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement adds DoD-specific requirements on top of the FAR.
- Military Services: Each service (Army, Navy, Air Force, Space Force, Marines) has its own acquisition organizations and contracting offices.
- Defense Agencies: DARPA, DISA, DLA, DCMA, DCAA, MDA, and others perform specialized functions across the enterprise.
- Small Business: DoD has aggressive small business contracting goals and utilizes mentor-protégé, set-asides, and subcontracting requirements.
How GovCon Data Can Help
GovCon Data provides comprehensive tracking of DoD solicitations across all services and agencies, with AI-powered matching to help contractors find relevant opportunities.
Related Terms
- Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS)
- Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR)
- Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)
- Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)
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