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Federal Agencies Guide

Understand 10 major federal buyers, their budgets, procurement focus, and best opportunities for contractors

30

Federal Agencies Covered

DoD, GSA, HHS, Treasury, DOT, VA, USDA, State, USGS, EPA

$1T+

Combined Budget

FY2026 procurement authority across federal government

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Open research resource for all contractors

Which Federal Agencies Buy from Small Contractors?

The federal government spends over $1 trillion annually on contracts. Small businesses win 23% of these contracts through set-asides, but only if they understand where to look and what each agency needs.

This guide covers 10 major federal buyers: their FY2026 budgets, OSDBU (Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization) contacts, NAICS codes they favor, recompete opportunities, and realistic procurement focus for contractors.

Buyer Comparison

AgencyBudget (FY2026)DifficultyEntry Point
Department of Defense$250B+HardSmall Set-Asides
General Services Administration$75B+EasyGSA Schedule
Department of Health and Human Services$40B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Treasury$35B+HardSolicitations
Department of Transportation$80B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Veterans Affairs$300B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Agriculture$200B+MediumSolicitations
Department of State$55B+MediumSolicitations
United States Geological Survey$1.2B+MediumSolicitations
Environmental Protection Agency$11B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Homeland Security$60B+MediumSolicitations
Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)$30B+MediumSolicitations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services$900B+MediumSolicitations
National Science Foundation$10B+MediumSolicitations
Agency for International Development$30B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Commerce$12B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Education$250B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Interior$18B+MediumSolicitations
Department of Labor$200B+MediumSolicitations
National Aeronautics and Space Administration$25B+MediumSolicitations
Social Security Administration$30B+MediumSolicitations
Military Health System (TRICARE)$60B+MediumSolicitations
Office of Personnel Management$10B+MediumSolicitations
Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)$3B+MediumSolicitations
Transportation Security Administration$8B+MediumSolicitations
Federal Aviation Administration$18B+MediumSolicitations
Federal Emergency Management Agency$20B+MediumSolicitations
Government Publishing Office$2B+MediumSolicitations
Nuclear Regulatory Commission$1.5B+MediumSolicitations
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention$15B+MediumSolicitations

All Agencies

DoD

Department of Defense

The largest federal buyer ($250B+ annual spend). Procures everything from IT services to logistics, with significant small business set-asides.

$250B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

GSA

General Services Administration

Manages federal procurement for civilian agencies. Operates Schedule contracts (GSA Schedule) that simplify government buying.

$75B+NAICS: 541511, 541611

HHS

Department of Health and Human Services

Manages health and human services contracts. Large buyer of healthcare IT, grant management systems, and training services.

$40B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

Treasury

Department of Treasury

Manages financial systems, tax administration, and financial crime prevention. Heavy buyer of IT and financial services.

$35B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

DOT

Department of Transportation

Procures transportation infrastructure, logistics, safety systems, and IT support. Major buyer of engineering and construction services.

$80B+NAICS: 541320, 541330

VA

Department of Veterans Affairs

Manages benefits and healthcare for 9+ million veterans. Massive buyer of healthcare, IT, and support services.

$300B+NAICS: 621610, 541511

USDA

Department of Agriculture

Manages agricultural programs, rural development, and natural resources. Buyer of IT, engineering, environmental services.

$200B+NAICS: 541320, 541611

State

Department of State

Manages diplomatic operations, foreign aid, and international programs. Buyer of IT, security services, and international logistics.

$55B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

USGS

United States Geological Survey

Manages scientific research, natural resource assessment, and environmental data. Buyer of research services, IT, and technical support.

$1.2B+NAICS: 541320, 541611

EPA

Environmental Protection Agency

Manages environmental protection and compliance. Buyer of environmental services, IT systems, and compliance monitoring.

$11B+NAICS: 541320, 541611

DHS

Department of Homeland Security

Manages border security, cybersecurity, disaster response, and critical infrastructure protection. Major buyer of IT, security, and surveillance systems.

$60B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

DLA

Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)

Procures supplies, fuels, and logistics for military. One of largest federal suppliers of MROs (maintenance, repair, overhaul).

$30B+NAICS: 335314, 332510

CMS

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

Manages Medicare, Medicaid, and healthcare programs. Major buyer of healthcare IT, claims processing, and compliance systems.

$900B+NAICS: 541511, 541512

NSF

National Science Foundation

Funds scientific research and education. Buyer of research services, IT infrastructure, and educational programs.

$10B+NAICS: 541711, 541320

USAID

Agency for International Development

Administers foreign aid and international development programs. Buyer of development services, IT systems, and implementation support.

$30B+NAICS: 541611, 541320

Commerce

Department of Commerce

Manages trade, industry, and standards. Buyer of IT systems, trade support services, and manufacturing IT.

$12B+NAICS: 541511, 541611

ED

Department of Education

Manages K-12 and higher education programs, student loans, and education policy. Buyer of educational content and IT systems.

$250B+NAICS: 611110, 611610

Interior

Department of Interior

Manages federal lands, water resources, and natural resources. Buyer of environmental and GIS services.

$18B+NAICS: 541320, 541611

Labor

Department of Labor

Manages employment, labor standards, and worker training programs. Buyer of training services and IT systems.

$200B+NAICS: 611710, 541611

NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Manages space exploration, aeronautics, and Earth science programs. Buyer of advanced technology, engineering, and IT.

$25B+NAICS: 541330, 541320

SSA

Social Security Administration

Manages Social Security benefits and programs. Major buyer of IT systems, claims processing, and administrative services.

$30B+NAICS: 541512, 541611

MHS

Military Health System (TRICARE)

Manages healthcare for military personnel and families. Buyer of healthcare IT and medical services.

$60B+NAICS: 621610, 541512

OPM

Office of Personnel Management

Manages federal employment, benefits, and civil service. Buyer of HR systems, training, and benefits administration.

$10B+NAICS: 541611, 541512

FRA

Federal Railroad Administration (FRA)

Manages railroad safety and development. Buyer of transportation engineering and safety systems.

$3B+NAICS: 541320, 237310

TSA

Transportation Security Administration

Manages aviation security and transportation screening. Buyer of security systems and IT.

$8B+NAICS: 541512, 334290

FAA

Federal Aviation Administration

Manages aviation safety and air traffic control. Buyer of aerospace engineering, IT systems, and training.

$18B+NAICS: 541330, 541512

FEMA

Federal Emergency Management Agency

Manages disaster response and emergency management. Buyer of emergency services, IT systems, and logistics.

$20B+NAICS: 541611, 541512

GPO

Government Publishing Office

Manages federal printing, publishing, and document distribution. Buyer of printing, IT, and digital services.

$2B+NAICS: 323111, 541511

NRC

Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Regulates nuclear power and materials. Buyer of safety systems, IT, and consulting services.

$1.5B+NAICS: 541611, 541512

CDC

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Manages public health surveillance and disease prevention. Buyer of health IT, research, and training services.

$15B+NAICS: 541711, 541611

Which Agency is Right for You?

The best federal buyer for you depends on your industry, capabilities, and location. DoD = largest but hardest. GSA = easiest entry. HHS/VA = healthcare specialists. USDA = rural focus. Start with your natural fit.

Find Your Agency Match