Manufacturing military and government aircraft including fighters, transports, and helicopters. Find active federal and state aircraft manufacturing contracts — AI-scored against your profile across SAM.gov and 200+ portals.
Annual federal spend under NAICS 336411 exceeds $60 billion, dominated by large prime contracts for fighter jets (F-35, F-15EX), transport aircraft (C-130J, KC-46A), and helicopters (CH-53K, UH-60 Black Hawk). The Air Force accounts for ~60% of procurement, followed by Navy and Army. Contracts are typically multi-year, sole-source or limited-competition due to high barriers to entry (facilities, security clearances, ITAR). Demand is driven by modernization programs, sustainment, and foreign military sales. Small businesses rarely win prime contracts but participate as subcontractors on large IDIQ vehicles like the Air Force's Advanced Battle Management System or Army's Future Vertical Lift.
These agencies are the largest buyers of aircraft manufacturing services and products in the federal government. Each awards contracts under NAICS 336411 regularly — build relationships with their small business offices first.
Winning work in 336411 requires targeting subcontracting opportunities on major platforms. The single highest-leverage move is to obtain a facility clearance (Secret or Top Secret) and register in the Joint Certification Program (JCP) for access to controlled technical data. Focus on niche capabilities: additive manufacturing, avionics components, composite structures, or MRO services. Set-asides are rare at the prime level, but the Air Force's SBIR/STTR program and Navy's Mentor-Protégé program offer entry points. Build relationships with primes (Lockheed, Boeing, Sikorsky) through industry days and small-business liaison offices.
Aircraft manufacturing contracts are primarily awarded via sole-source or limited-competition best-value tradeoffs. Common vehicles include Air Force's F-35 Production IDIQ, Navy's CH-53K Production Contract, and Army's UH-60 Black Hawk Multi-Year Procurement. GSA Schedule 84 (Total Solutions for Law Enforcement) is used for some non-combat aircraft. Evaluation emphasizes past performance, technical capability, and cost realism, not LPTA.
Yes, any company manufacturing aircraft components for the U.S. military must register with the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) under ITAR. This is a prerequisite for bidding on most contracts.
Small business prime awards are rare; typical subcontracts range from $500K to $10M for components or services. Prime awards for small businesses are usually under $5M via SBIR or small business set-asides for sustainment work.
Yes, AS9100D is almost universally required for aerospace manufacturing contracts. It is the quality management standard specific to aviation, space, and defense.
Extremely competitive with high barriers: capital-intensive facilities, security clearances, ITAR compliance, and long sales cycles. New entrants should target subcontracts or specialized services like non-destructive testing or coating.
Performance and payment bonds are typically required for contracts over $150K. For large primes, bonds may be waived, but subcontractors often need to provide bonds to primes.