Manufacturing radar, sonar, and electronic warfare systems for defense and security. Find active federal and state search, detection, navigation and guidance systems manufacturing contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend for NAICS 334511 exceeds $15 billion, driven primarily by DoD modernization priorities in radar, sonar, and electronic warfare. Competition is concentrated among large primes (Raytheon, Lockheed, Northrop), but small businesses compete on niche sensors and subsystems. Contracts are predominantly multi-year IDIQs (e.g., Navy's SEA 05 IDIQ for sonar, Air Force's EW IDIQ) and sole-source for proprietary tech. Demand is fueled by hypersonic defense, anti-submarine warfare, and spectrum dominance requirements. GSA Schedule 70 and SEWP V are common for R&D and prototyping.
These agencies are the largest buyers of search, detection, navigation and guidance systems manufacturing services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 334511 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Win by targeting specific platform upgrades (e.g., F-35 EW suite, Virginia-class sonar) rather than prime contracts. Set-asides are rare at prime level; instead, compete for subcontracts under primes via mentor-protégé or as a teaming partner. The highest-leverage move is to obtain a facility clearance (SECRET/TS) and invest in AS9100D certification, as primes require both for subcontracting. Use SBIR/STTR Phase III for non-dilutive R&D funding and sole-source bridge contracts.
Work is bought via best-value tradeoffs (technical factors outweigh cost) for R&D, and LPTA for mature production. Common vehicles: GSA Schedule 70 (SIN 132-56 for radar/EW), SEWP V (Category D for sensors), 8(a) STARS III (for IT-related), and agency-specific IDIQs (e.g., Navy's SEA 05, Air Force's EW Systems IDIQ). Evaluation emphasizes past performance on similar systems, technical approach, and security compliance.
Most contracts require at least a SECRET facility clearance (FCL) and personnel clearances for key staff. TS/SCI is needed for advanced electronic warfare and signals intelligence systems. Start the FCL process via the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) early, as it takes 6-12 months.
Yes, AS9100D (aerospace quality management) is frequently required for manufacturing contracts. Additionally, ISO 9001:2015 is a baseline. For electronic warfare work, compliance with MIL-STD-461 (EMI/EMC) and MIL-STD-810 (environmental) is often mandatory in the SOW.
Small business prime awards average $2-5 million for subsystem components, while subcontracts range from $500K to $10 million. Large IDIQ task orders can exceed $50 million, but small businesses typically win as subcontractors or on set-aside pools within GWACs like SEWP V.
Yes, but set-asides are limited. The Navy and Air Force occasionally issue 8(a) sole-source awards for niche radar/sonar components under $4 million. HUBZone and SDVOSB set-asides are rarer. Best approach is to team with a large prime as a subcontractor while pursuing 8(a) direct awards via the SBA's 8(a) STARS III GWAC, which includes IT-related 334511 work.
Bonds are uncommon for R&D or prototype contracts. For production contracts over $150K, the Miller Act requires performance and payment bonds. However, many DoD IDIQs waive bonds for task orders under $1M. Small businesses should secure a bonding line of credit up to $5M to be competitive on larger production awards.