Manufacturing artillery shells, bombs, torpedoes, and other military ordnance. Find active federal and state ammunition (except small arms) manufacturing contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
The U.S. Department of Defense spends approximately $2-3 billion annually on ammunition (excluding small arms) under NAICS 332993, primarily through large, multi-year IDIQ contracts. Competition is limited to a few major prime contractors like General Dynamics and Northrop Grumman, with small businesses typically serving as subcontractors. Demand is driven by military readiness, stockpile replenishment, and modernization programs such as the Army's Extended Range Cannon Artillery. Contracts are mostly firm-fixed-price, awarded via full-and-open or sole-source, with occasional set-asides for small businesses.
These agencies are the largest buyers of ammunition (except small arms) manufacturing services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 332993 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
To win contracts under 332993, focus on teaming with primes as a qualified subcontractor for specific components or services. The buying pattern favors best-value tradeoffs over LPTA, emphasizing past performance, quality, and delivery speed. The highest-leverage move is to obtain a facility security clearance (FCL) and ATF Type 07 FFL, as these are prerequisites for most ordnance work. Common set-asides include 8(a) and SDVOSB for smaller-scale buys under $10M.
Contracts are typically awarded as IDIQs with firm-fixed-price orders, using best-value tradeoff evaluation emphasizing past performance and technical capability. Common vehicles include Army's Joint Munitions Command IDIQs, Navy's NAVSEA contracts, and GSA Schedule 84 for non-lethal items. LPTA is rare due to safety-critical nature. Small business set-asides often use 8(a) STARS III or GSA 8(a) sole-source.
Yes, you need an ATF Type 07 Federal Firearms License (FFL) as a manufacturer of ammunition and explosives. You also require a facility security clearance (FCL) at least at the Secret level for most DoD contracts.
Small business awards under 332993 typically range from $500,000 to $10 million, often as subcontracts or set-aside contracts for non-lethal training ammunition, fuzes, or metal parts. Prime contracts exceeding $50 million are rare for small businesses.
It is highly concentrated with 3-5 major primes dominating. Small businesses face barriers due to security requirements and capital intensity. However, niche opportunities exist in specialized areas like insensitive munitions or demilitarization services.
Key certifications include: ATF Type 07 FFL, Explosives License (if handling explosives), facility security clearance (Secret or Top Secret), and ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality management. Compliance with ITAR and DoD 5220.22-M is mandatory.
Yes, most small businesses enter as subcontractors to primes like General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems. Focus on providing metal components, packaging, or testing services. Register in SBA's Subcontracting Network (SubNet) and identify prime contractors' supply chain needs.