How to Pursue Military Technology Contract Jobs

💰 FY26 Autonomy Funding Is Real — But Here’s How to Actually Get It (With PE Lines and Sustainment Smarts) Most defense tech posts? All sizzle, no steak. They say: “$13B+ for autonomy in FY26!” But skip: “Here’s the exact program lines, budget authorities, and contracting routes that get you paid.” So let’s fix that ——— 🛣️ How to Go from “Funding Exists” to “Funds Obligated” 1. SBIR/STTR: Your Primary On-Ramp • Search for topics tied to the above PEs. • Cite directly: “This project aligns with PE 0602784A for Ground Robotics.” 2. Engage the Actual Budget Holders (The DoD PEO Directory attached or tools like Usul (YC S24) are helpful. • Army UAS: COL Medaglia (PE 0603003A, 0602784A) • Navy Maritime Autonomy: PMS 406 (PE 0603502N, 0603513N) • AF ISR/SOF UAS: PEO ISR/SOF (PE 0604015F) When you reach out: “We see PE 0603502N funding $X for unmanned surface systems. Here’s how we fit…” 3. Search BAA & OTA Solicitations by PE • Look for PE lines in the fine print of solicitations. • Use them as filters on SAM or DIU solicitations. 4. Don’t Sleep on ManTech & Industrial Base Lines • Navy/DoD ManTech: PE 0603680S • If your tech improves manufacturability, supply resilience, or forward sustainment, this is your lane. PE lines = proof you’re budget fluent. They help: • PMs justify funding your tech. • KO’s route dollars your way. • Tuen white papers into contract awards. They’re your GTM accelerant — not optional info.

#Subcontracting is how many small businesses start winning in the defense sector— Here's the official @DoD/DoW contact list of #primes to reach out to. Most small business owners know the government has Small Business Offices at bases and agencies. But what many don’t realize is that these offices also exist inside the major defense contractors themselves. Companies like Lockheed Martin, BAE Systems, Raytheon, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, and L3Harris Technologies all have Small Business Liaison Officers whose entire job is to work with small businesses on subcontracting opportunities. The US military publishes a list (see attached) of these prime contractor small business contacts—complete with names, emails, and phone numbers—so you can reach out directly to the people who manage subcontracting plans. For small firms, this list can be a roadmap to multi-million-dollar teaming relationships. It’s how you get your capabilities in front of the primes that already have major defense contracts and need qualified small business partners to meet their subcontracting goals. How do you use this? I DO NOT recommend spamming prime contractors, whether they're on this list or not, telling them about how awesome your company is, hoping they'll use you on a current contract. That's a great way to never have a subcontract.... I DO recommend Finding the opportunity first, working with the government offices, building relationships, and then approaching prime contractors with an opportunity you both can work on. This is a recipe for success, and it's exactly what we teach at GovClose. We’ve also created several free YouTube videos breaking down these steps in detail. Just search @govclose on youtube If you want updates, strategies, and insights on how to grow in government contracting, follow me here Richard C. Howard, Lt Col (Ret) on LinkedIn. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Gov Close Certification Program develops elite federal contracting professionals capable of closing complex government deals. Our graduates bring proven strategies that companies use to win new business, build federal sales teams, or launch full-service consulting practices. #DoDPrimeContractorDirectory

Pitching to large prime contractors as a government-funded defense tech company requires a strategic approach. For starters, emphasize your company’s credibility through government support and the unique tech value you bring and demonstrate your alignment with prime contractors' goals for innovative, integrable, and market-differentiating solutions. Here’s an effective framework to structure your pitch: Align with Prime Contractor Goals: Research their objectives and highlight how your tech enhances mission success, integrates seamlessly, and adds value. Emphasize Differentiators: Focus on your tech’s innovation, scalability, and government backing to mitigate risk and accelerate delivery. Targeted Engagement: Aim to join existing contracts, contribute to proposals, or explore commercial integration by showing strategic advantages and proven performance. This multi-layered approach, with clear deliverables and collaboration, will strengthen your appeal and help primes understand how your solutions enhance their projects. For additional support or questions, reach out to The Outpost at hello@theoutpost.com.