DHS

Department of Homeland Security

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

FY2026 Budget

$60B+

border security, cybersecurity, emergency management

OSDBU Contact

Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@hq.dhs.gov

2026 Trend

Cybersecurity expansion, border infrastructure modernization, disaster response systems, critical infrastructure protection

Market Intelligence

Real-time spending data via USAspending.gov

Annual Spend (FY2025)

Total obligated amount for contract awards in the current fiscal year.

$0

Obligated to date

Budget UtilizationNaN%

Top Contract Awardees

$9.5B
$8.9B
$7.3B
$5.2B
$5.1B

WinBidIQ Insight: Department of Homeland Security is showing high competition among the top 5 vendors. Small businesses should focus on subcontracting opportunities with these leaders or targeting niche set-asides where these giants are restricted.

How to Win Contracts from Department of Homeland Security

As a major federal contracting entity, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) commands a FY2026 budget of $60B+. Recent market intelligence indicates a highly active procurement cycle, with obligated spend distributed among 5 primary vendors.With a strategic focus on security clearance requirements common (secret/top secret) and cybersecurity expertise highly valued, this agency presents targeted opportunities for contractors operating within critical NAICS codes like 541511 and 541512.

For emerging contractors, the most effective entry strategy is to identify recompete opportunities — contracts currently held by incumbents that are expiring within the next 12 to 18 months.DHS recompetes often have predictable scopes and defined evaluation criteria, making them significantly easier to bid intelligently than entirely new requirements.

DHS offers cybersecurity and IT opportunities with strong funding. Border tech and emergency response are growth areas. Requires security clearances. Compliance high but cybersecurity focus = vendor-friendly market.

Procurement Focus & Requirements

  • Security clearance requirements common (Secret/Top Secret)
  • Cybersecurity expertise highly valued
  • Multi-year contracts for infrastructure upgrades
  • Small business set-asides available in many categories

Top NAICS Codes — DHS

These NAICS codes appear most frequently in Department of Homeland Security solicitations. Include these in your SAM.gov registration to appear in agency searches and qualify for relevant set-asides.

541511

541512

334290

561210

611710

Common Recompete Categories at DHS

Recompetes — contracts currently held by an incumbent that are coming up for renewal — are the highest-probability opportunity for new entrants. These categories see recurring recompetes at Department of Homeland Security:

1

Cybersecurity and IT infrastructure modernization

2

Border security technology and surveillance systems

3

Emergency management and disaster response systems

4

Critical infrastructure protection and monitoring

Track live recompete opportunities in WinBidIQ

Department of Homeland Security Contracting: FAQs

How much does Department of Homeland Security spend on contracts annually?+
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has a FY2026 budget of $60B+ (border security, cybersecurity, emergency management). Contract spending goes toward 5 primary NAICS code categories, with cybersecurity expansion, border infrastructure modernization, disaster response systems, critical infrastructure protection. Small businesses compete for set-aside contracts across all major spending categories.
What NAICS codes does DHS use for small business contracts?+
Department of Homeland Security most frequently awards contracts under NAICS codes 541511, 541512, 334290, 561210, 611710. These cover Security clearance requirements common (Secret/Top Secret), Cybersecurity expertise highly valued, Multi-year contracts for infrastructure upgrades. Register in SAM.gov with these codes and ensure your size is within SBA size standards for each code to qualify for set-asides.
How do I contact DHS's small business office?+
Department of Homeland Security's small business contact is: Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@hq.dhs.gov. This office — typically called the OSDBU or OSBP — runs small business outreach events, matchmaking sessions, and subcontracting fairs. Attending these events is one of the most effective ways to get pre-RFP visibility with contracting officers.
What types of contracts does DHS award to small businesses?+
Department of Homeland Security awards set-aside contracts under multiple socioeconomic programs including small business, 8(a) Business Development, WOSB (Women-Owned Small Business), SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned), and HUBZone. Common contract vehicles include Cybersecurity and IT infrastructure modernization and Border security technology and surveillance systems. Most contracts over $25K are posted on SAM.gov.
What is the best strategy to win a first DHS contract?+
Start by identifying recompete opportunities — contracts expiring within 12 months where the incumbent may be vulnerable. Department of Homeland Security recompete categories include: Cybersecurity and IT infrastructure modernization; Border security technology and surveillance systems; Emergency management and disaster response systems. Build past performance through subcontracting first, then bid on small set-asides. Attend OSDBU outreach events to meet program managers before RFPs drop.
What is DHS's procurement trend for 2026?+
Cybersecurity expansion, border infrastructure modernization, disaster response systems, critical infrastructure protection. DHS offers cybersecurity and IT opportunities with strong funding. Border tech and emergency response are growth areas. Requires security clearances. Compliance high but cybersecurity focus = vendor-friendly market. Monitor SAM.gov and USASpending.gov for emerging solicitations and forecast notices — ideally 6-12 months before RFP release.

Find DHS Contracts Matched to Your Company

WinBidIQ monitors SAM.gov daily and scores every Department of Homeland Security solicitation by fit to your company profile — NAICS codes, certifications, size, and past performance.

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