Army Office of Small Business Programs

ACHIEVING THE ARMY MISSION THROUGH SMALL BUSINESS UTILIZATION

The Army awards billions of contracting dollars annually in order to support its mission. Historically, more than 20 percent of this total goes to small businesses. A strong small business industrial base is essential to supporting the Warfighter and accomplishing the Army mission.

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How to do Business with the Army >

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ANNOUNCEMENTS

  • Download the Army Small Business Seminar Presentation Part 1 (morning) [PPTX - 31.7 MB] | Part 2 (afternoon) [PPTX - 15.7 MB]
  • Please find FY26 Top NAICS by Command based upon Small Business Dollars and Percentage of Small Business Dollars. If you are interested in scheduling a Capability Briefing, the respective Command(s) will assist you directly. Army Contracting Achievement 2026 Top Five NAICS [PDF - 498.2 KB]
  • Exciting news! Congress has reauthorized the SBIR and STTR Programs, and the U.S. Army is launching five new Army FUZE funding opportunities for small businesses. This is your chance to partner with the Army and turn innovative ideas into real-world solutions through flexible funding pathways. Phase I proposal opportunities are now open through open submissions, pre-release topics, and competitions. Explore the topics and submit your proposal today! Army FUZE SBIR|STTR Funding Opportunities Now in Open Submission and Pre-Release [PDF - 145.7 KB]
  • The Office of Industrial Base Growth launched LYNX, a new digital platform designed to strengthen supplier readiness, improve visibility into business capabilities, and expand participation across the defense industrial base. Registration is now open at https://www.lynxconnect.io
  • Website content is regularly updated to align with Executive Orders, Army priorities, DODI Instruction 5400.17.
  • Please find FY25 Top NAICS by Command based upon Small Business Dollars and Percentage of Small Business Dollars. If you are interested in scheduling a Capability Briefing, the respective Command(s) will assist you directly. Army Contracting Achievement 2025 Top Five NAICS.pdf [PDF - 949.6 KB]

U.S. ARMY COMMANDS WITH SMALL BUSINESS OFFICES

2025 Good Faith Effort In Subcontracting

In this training, Ms. Gayna C. Malcolm-Packnett, Subcontracting Program Manager at the Army Office of Small Business Programs, addresses the concept of "good faith effort" in subcontracting. Prompted by a Government Accountability Office (GAO) report entitled "Small Business Subcontracting," which revealed inconsistencies in how contracting officers assess compliance, Ms. Malcolm-Packnett provides a comprehensive overview of post-award responsibilities related to subcontracting plans.

NEWS

MISSION

  • Advise the Secretary of the Army and the Army leadership on small business-related matters.
  • Maximize opportunities for innovative initiatives that contribute to expanding the small business industrial base relevant to the Army mission priorities.
  • Leverage Small Businesses to ensure expansion and/or sustainment of the industrial base and provide opportunities to obtain innovative technologies, supplies and services for our soldiers.

VISION

To be the premier advocacy organization committed to maximizing Small Business utilization in support of the Army.

We support the Army’s ability to build readiness for high-intensity conflict; modernize our doctrine, equipment, and formations; and reform the Army to maximize our time, money and manpower. Our focus is on not only on helping to enhance the industrial base but also taking care of our people, live the Army Values, and strengthen our alliances and partnerships to sustain long-term success in wartime and peace to ensure our Army remains the most lethal ground combat force in history, capable of dominating any adversary on any battlefield.

LEADERS

  • Vacant
    DIRECTOR
    Vacant
  • MS. PAMELA D. CALLICUTT
    ACTING DIRECTOR
    MS. PAMELA D. CALLICUTT

How to Do Business with the Army

  • The Army awards billions of contracting dollars annually in order to support its mission. Historically, more than 20 percent of this total goes to small businesses. A strong small business industrial base is essential to supporting the Warfighter and accomplishing the Army mission.

    This guide to doing business with the Army is an effort to increase the number of small businesses capable of supporting the Army mission, thereby strengthening this industrial base.

    Download a shorter, tri-fold brochure version of this guide: How to Do Business with the Army.pdf [PDF - 3.9 MB]

    Step 1: Register in SAM.gov and define your business.

    To be awarded a contract by any federal agency, you must be registered with the System for Award Management (SAM). SAM will issue you a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI). Whenever there is a change in your business status, you must update your company’s profile in SAM (e.g. if your company attains 8(a) status).

    It is very important that you first determine the exact product or service you wish to sell to the Army. There are different marketing strategies and customers within the Department for each product or service. Once you have chosen your product/service, find the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code under which it falls. Then use the Small Business Administration (SBA) size standard table to determine your business size in that NAICS code. It’s not uncommon for companies to qualify as small for one type of product they sell, but as large for another.

    Step 2: Learn contracting regulations and procedures, like:

    Step 3: Target which Army organizations buy your product or service.

    • Review the Army Buying Commands information at the bottom of this page. Here you will find a brief description of what each major buying command purchases, a phone number for their small business office, and a link to a list of small business professionals who can answer your questions about doing business with their command.
    • Use the Federal Procurement Data System (FPDS) to find past contracts relevant to you. This system contains records of all federal contracts since the 1970s. First, find recently awarded contracts in your NAICS code. As you progress, you may find it useful to create an account and put together your own ad hoc reports to hone in on past contracts that are set to expire soon. Request assistance in using FPDS at 703-697-2868.
    • Sell local. Use our directory, Army Small Business Offices By State.pdf [PDF - 195.8 KB] to locate small business professionals at Army locations near you. Call them or schedule a meeting to introduce yourself and ask for information on upcoming contracting opportunities.

    Step 4: Market your business.

    • Be well-versed on your company’s capabilities and ready to discuss in detail the product or service you provide. Always be ready to give an “elevator speech.” Know how your products/services support the Army mission. Have an expanded version for those occasions that require a more in-depth understanding of your company.

    Step 5: Explore subcontracting opportunities and investigate GSA’s Multiple Award Schedule.

    Regardless of what you sell, it is important that you do not neglect the Army’s very large secondary market: Subcontracting.

    Review details on the Department of Defense's Subcontracting Program. Large defense contracts often are required to have subcontracting plans.

    To find subcontracting opportunities:

    • Visit the websites of large defense prime contractors. Contact their Small Business Liaison or Supplier Diversity Office.
    • List your firm as an interested party on "sources-sought" notices, requests for information (RFI), and pre-solicitation notices posted on SAM.gov.
    • Search the SBA’s Subcontracting Network, SUB-Net, a database where prime contractors post "solicitations" or "notice of sources sought" for small businesses.

    Additionally, investigate Federal Supply Schedules (FSS) on www.gsa.gov:

    • As the Army downsizes its acquisition workforce, more acquisitions are being done through General Services Administration (GSA) schedules. If you are interested in obtaining information about GSA schedules, please contact: General Services Administration, FSS Schedule Information Center (FM), Washington, D.C. 20406, Phone: 1-800-488-3111

    Step 6: Seek additional assistance from support organizations, like:

    • The Small Business Administration (SBA) provides a wide array of services to small businesses, including counseling, certifications, financial assistance, small business management assistance, and free or low-cost training.
    • APEX Accelerators are a resource for businesses that are both pursuing and performing under government contracts. 90+ Accelerators operate in 300 offices nationwide and act as a bridge between the buyer and supplier. Services provided by APEX Accelerators include counseling, registration assistance for systems such as SAM, identification of contract opportunities, help in understanding requirements, and training at minimal or no cost.
    • Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide aspiring and current small business owners a variety of free business consulting and low-cost training services, including: business plan development, manufacturing assistance, financial packaging and lending assistance, exporting and importing support, disaster recovery assistance, procurement and contracting aid, market research help, 8(a) program support, and healthcare guidance.
    • Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), a nonprofit association dedicated to helping small businesses get off the ground, to grow and to achieve their goals through education and mentorship. They are supported by the SBA and thousands of volunteers and are consequently able to deliver their services at no charge or at very low cost.

    Additionally, the Army runs several socioeconomic programs that provide assistance to small businesses of various types. These are:

U.S. Army Buying Commands

Army Small Business Spending Performance

Top 5 Small Business NAICS by Command

Small Business Resources

  • Army Acquisition Forecast

    AMC Acquisition Forecast JUN-DEC 2026 [XLSX - 269.8 KB]

    NGB Acquisition Forecast- FY26 [XLSX - 453.6 KB]

    USACE Forecasted Opportunities - May 2026 [XLSX - 178 KB][XLSX - 74.1 KB]

  • The Army Intellectual Property (IP) Cell of Experts is the focal point for the Army’s IP policy approach and serves as a resource on IP related questions for organizations doing or seeking to do business with the Army.

    Contact the Cell at: Army.IP.Cell@army.mil

  • The Army has contract opportunities for small businesses in every State. The following small business offices are generally aligned with buying activities. Use this directory to locate your state’s Army Offices and contact information.

    Note: This is a living document that is updated as needed.

    Army Small Business Offices By State.pdf [PDF - 193.2 KB]

  • LYNX is a new digital platform designed to strengthen supplier readiness, improve visibility into business capabilities, and expand participation across the defense industrial base. Registration is now open at https://www.lynxconnect.io for businesses seeking to connect with mission-aligned partners and opportunities. Businesses begin by creating a company profile and completing an initial assessment to establish a readiness baseline and identify next steps.

  • The Army Mentor Protégé Program (MPP) Office updated its Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) to invite applications for participation in the Department of War (DoW) MPP. The BAA will be open for the entire fiscal year, during which white papers can be submitted at any time. These submissions will be evaluated throughout this period. Mentor Firms whose white papers align with the intent of this BAA may be invited to submit technical and cost proposals, subject to the availability of program funds.

    More information coming soon.

  • The Army Office of Small Business Programs fully supports the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA) of 1996. This legislation ensures that small businesses, small government jurisdictions and nonprofit organizations are treated fairly, afforded due process, and provided meaningful opportunities to address concerns regarding federal regulatory enforcement actions.

    Read the SBREFA Memorandum. [PDF - 342.9 KB]

  • What is the role of the U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)?

    The Army OSBP is a small business advocacy organization committed to maximizing procurement opportunities for small businesses and minority-serving educational institutions in support of the Warfighter and Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN).

    Does Army offer business loans or grants to start or expand a small business?

    Army does not offer loans or grants to begin or expand a small business.

    How do I do business with the Army?

    You will find out how in our PDF brochure, 6 Steps for Doing Business with the Army, which is designed to assist small businesses in obtaining required certifications necessary to do business with the Army.

    What is the difference between 8(a) certification and SDB certification?

    The 8(a) program is a business development program that offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms. SDB certification pertains to benefits in Federal procurement. 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.

    How is a small business defined or categorized?

    A small business concern is a business, including its affiliates, that is independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field of operation in which it is bidding on contracts and qualified as a small business under the applicable size standards in 13 CFR Part 121 (FAR 19.102).

    The size standard is based on the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes and is currently figured by either dollar revenue or number of employees.

    What is an NAICS code?

    The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. NAICS was developed and adopted in 1997 to allow for a high level of comparability in business statistics among the North American countries. The official U.S. Government website provides the latest information NAICS: North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) U.S. Census Bureau

    What are the size standards and how are they established?

    The Small Business Administration size standards determine whether or not your business is considered small. Size standards define the largest size a business can be to participate in government contracting programs and compete for contracts reserved or set aside for small businesses. Size standards vary by industry and are generally based on the number of employees or the amount of annual receipts the business has. You can find small business size regulations in Title 13 Part 121 of the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). Additional information can be found on the SBA website: https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-guide/size-standards.

    How do I find out about upcoming events?

    OSBP posts upcoming events of interest for small business vendors to its online Calendar of Events.

    What is the role of a small business specialist?

    To act as an advocate to maximize small business opportunities in support of the mission of their organization.

CYBERSECURITY RESOURCES

The following cybersecurity resources are designed to contribute to an organization’s overall security posture, they are not intended as a complete toolkit for Federal cybersecurity compliance frameworks.

Contact Information

Thank you for your interest in Army small business opportunities.

We can be reached at:

Army Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP)
106 Army Pentagon, Room 3B514
Washington, DC 20310-0106

General Inquiry

The Army Office of Small Business Programs would like to provide you with a timely and appropriate response to meet your request. Please provide your accurate and complete response to the form below. Please allow a minimum of 2-3 business days for follow-up after submitting your request.

Army Small Business Inquiry Form

Speaker Request

Our mission at the Army Office of Small Business Program is to connect small businesses with commands to support the US Army’s mission.

To request a representative from the Army Office of Small Business Programs speak or attend your event, fill out the form below. Please allow a minimum of 2-3 business days for follow-up after submitting your request.

Army Small Business Event Request

The Latest News & Updates From the Army Office Of Small Business Programs

Check Back For Updates!

Upcoming Events

  • Ms. Pamela D. Callicutt, Acting Director of the U.S. Army Office of Small Business Programs, will participate in the Small Business Federal Leaders Panel at the National Veteran Institute of Procurement's VIP GROW program. The discussion will focus on federal contracting opportunities, small business programs and resources available to veteran-owned businesses, followed by an audience Q&A.

    To learn more about the VIP Grow program, please visit NationalVIP.org.

  • The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), in partnership with the Department of War and U.S. Small Business Administration, will host the Veteran-Owned Small Business (VOSB) Summit on November 19, 2026, at DOT Headquarters in Washington, D.C.

    The summit will provide small businesses with information on federal contracting opportunities, available resources and best practices for doing business with the federal government. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in matchmaking sessions with Army Office of Small Business Programs and other federal agency representatives.

    The event is free and open to all small businesses, with a focus on veteran-owned firms. Registration is required.

    Event Details and Registration

  • The National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE) is the premier federal event connecting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses with government procurement professionals. Whether you are a first-time attendee or a returning participant, this two-day engagement offers unmatched access to contracting opportunities, industry leaders, and federal agency representatives.

    When: December 8-9, 2026

    Where: Cleveland, Ohio

    For registration updates, visit: https://www.va.gov/osdbu/nvsbe/

Past Events

  • The event provided opportunities for small businesses to engage directly with government representatives, industry experts, and prime contractors to discuss current challenges, share feedback, and explore potential partnerships.

    This forum is especially beneficial for businesses that are new to government contracting or companies that have recently secured a government contract and are looking to expand their presence in the federal marketplace.

    Wednesday, July 8, 2026

    8:30 AM - 3:00 PM EST

    National Industries for the Blind -
    3000 Potomac Ave, Alexandria, VA 22305

    Learn more and register at: https://web.cvent.com/event/25bbd31e-61db-4c49-b49d-acb30c720826/summary

  • Senator Ernst is bringing opportunities to the Heartland. The Entrepreneur Expo is an excellent opportunity for Iowa’s small businesses to learn about federal and state government contracting opportunities and federal innovation programs that support the nation’s defense industrial base. Attendees can learn how to sell their goods and services to the federal government; engage with federal innovation-focused programs, such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs; and explore ways their innovations can strengthen America’s defense capabilities.

    Tuesday, June 30, 2026

    8:00 AM – 12:45 PM CDT

    Iowa State University's Scheman Building  -
    1805 Center Drive, Ames, IA 50011

    Learn more at Expo | U.S. Senator Joni Ernst

  • Veteran business owners from across the country gathered in New Orleans for the VETS26 Conference from June 1-4, 2026. As one of the nation's premier events for veteran entrepreneurs, the conference brought together small businesses, federal agencies, and industry leaders to discuss opportunities across the marketplace.

    Read more here: https://www.army.mil/article/293194/army_office_of_small_business_programs_helps_veteran_owned_businesses_navigate_army_opportunities_at_vets26

  • Mentor Protege Summit | April 7-9, 2026

    Hosted by the The Office of Industrial Base Growth, this is an opportunity to participate in a prestigious event that brings small businesses together with leaders in the defense industry.

    The theme for this year is Bridging Opportunities: Scaling Innovation for National Defense. This summit is designed to empower collaboration, spark innovation, and strengthen our national defense through impactful partnerships.

    The annual MPP Summit aims to support small businesses through education, networking, and collaboration, in keeping with the mission of the DoW OSBP. Attendees will experience dynamic discussions, hands-on workshops, and keynote speeches delivered by leading government, industry, and academic experts.

    Learn more and register at dowmppsummit.com.

  • “How to Get Paid By Uncle Sam” — WAWF & More Virtual Conference | February 10th and 11th, 2026

    The Wide Area Workflow (WAWF) is part of the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment (PIEE) suite of tools, which includes several different applications. WAWF is a mandatory system for DoW contracts. Other systems covered, which are not mandatory but may be useful, include ElectronicDocumentAccess (EDA). EDA houses your DoW contracts and modifications. Many contractors find it very beneficial to view contracts electronically, and often these contract documents pre-populate into WAWF, which can save time, effort and confusion. Another useful tool covered at the conference is MyInvoice: MyInvoice allows you to track the progress of your invoices while identifying when to expect their next steps or completion.

    This is a 2-day (14 hours) training session with a WAWF demo lab. The conference includes WAWF tutorials, invoicing, use of myInvoice to payment processes and answers to specific problems.

    Learn more at https://fgrrb.org/ConferenceFeb2026.html

    Early registration pricing is available until January 6th.

  • The Army Office of Small Business Programs rescheduled its Small Business Seminar as a virtual event for January 22, 2026. This seminar provided small businesses with timely insights into Army priorities, upcoming opportunities, and how industry can support readiness, innovation, and the Defense Industrial Base. Resources from this event are available above in the Event Resources section.

  • Army Office of Small Business - Virtual Matchmaking | January 21, 2026

    Although AUSA 2025 Matchmaking did not take place due to the government shutdown, the Army Office of Small Business - Virtual Matchmaking event took place on January 21, 2026.

    This fully virtual event was hosted via ZOOM and provided small businesses and government representatives with the opportunity to connect through scheduled, one-on-one matchmaking sessions.