Manages diplomatic operations, foreign aid, and international programs. Buyer of IT, security services, and international logistics.
FY2026 Budget
$55B+ (diplomatic operations, foreign aid, international programs)
OSDBU Contact
Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@state.gov
2026 Trend
Diplomatic IT modernization, cybersecurity upgrades for embassies, foreign aid systems, international development initiatives
Top NAICS Codes for State
These industry classifications represent the largest procurement focus areas.
541511
541512
561210
238210
334220
Typical Procurement Areas & Recompetes
Embassy IT infrastructure and support
Diplomatic communications and security systems
International development and capacity building programs
Logistics and supply chain management (global)
Procurement Focus & Strategy
- Security clearance requirements (Top Secret/SCI common)
- International experience and language capabilities valued
- Compliance with State Department security protocols
- Global delivery and support coordination required
Forecast Strategy for Contractors
State Department offers specialized opportunities in IT, security, and international operations. Requires security clearances and global capability. Smaller contract volume than DoD but higher specialization = less competition. Compliance burden high.
How to Use This Forecast
- Monitor updates. State updates their forecast quarterly. Check back every 3 months for new opportunities.
- Match your NAICS. Focus on recompetes and opportunities in your primary NAICS codes (listed above).
- Research past winners. Use WinBidIQ's USAspending data to find who won the last contract. Model your proposal after them.
- Contact early. Reach out to Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@state.gov (their small business contact) 6-12 months before RFP release to ask questions and register.
- Prepare the proposal early. Start writing 60-90 days before RFP release. When RFP drops, you're 80% done.
Get Forecast Alerts for State
WinBidIQ monitors State forecasts and alerts you when new pre-solicitations match your company's NAICS codes and certifications.
Start Free Trial →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Department of State procurement forecast for FY2026?
+
Department of State (State) has a FY2026 budget of $55B+ (diplomatic operations, foreign aid, international programs). The procurement trend for 2026 is: Diplomatic IT modernization, cybersecurity upgrades for embassies, foreign aid systems, international development initiatives. Key NAICS codes active at this agency include 541511, 541512, 561210.
How can small businesses access State forecast data?
+
Department of State publishes its procurement forecast through SAM.gov, USASpending.gov, and agency-specific forecast portals. Contact the OSDBU at Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@state.gov to request upcoming acquisition forecasts directly. Many agencies publish annual small business forecasts 6-12 months in advance of RFP release.
What types of contracts does State forecast for small businesses?
+
Department of State forecasts set-aside competitions for: Embassy IT infrastructure and support; Diplomatic communications and security systems; International development and capacity building programs. These include both new requirements and recompetes of existing contracts. Monitoring recompetes is the most reliable way to find upcoming opportunities at this agency.
What NAICS codes should I focus on for State contracts?
+
The highest-volume NAICS codes at Department of State are: 541511, 541512, 561210, 238210, 334220. Register these in your SAM.gov profile and set up SAM.gov email alerts filtered by these codes and State as the awarding agency to receive daily notifications of new solicitations.
How far in advance does State post contract forecasts?
+
Most federal agencies, including Department of State, post procurement forecasts 6-12 months before RFP release. Follow the OSDBU (Office of Small Business Programs - OSBP@state.gov) and subscribe to industry day announcements. Engaging with the agency pre-RFP — through RFI responses, capability statement submissions, and industry days — significantly increases your probability of win when the solicitation drops.