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How to Win DHS Government Contracts After Acquiring a Business

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) — small business spending goals, top NAICS codes, and how to get on the vendor list as a post-acquisition buyer.

Small Biz Spend

$7.0B

Small Biz Goal

28%

SDVOSB Goal

3%

WOSB Goal

5%

Top categories

NAICS Codes Where DHS Spends Most

541512

Computer Systems Design

Cybersecurity, border systems, and FEMA IT infrastructure — heavy DHS spend.

561720

Janitorial Services

Ports of entry, CBP facilities, and DHS office buildings nationwide.

541690

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting

Security consulting, risk assessment, and emergency management advisory services.

561210

Facilities Support Management

Integrated facilities management for DHS campuses and CBP inspection facilities.

238910

Site Preparation

Construction and infrastructure work at ports of entry and border infrastructure.

How to get on the list

Becoming an Approved DHS Vendor After Acquisition

1

Register in SAM.gov with active UEI.

2

DHS uses the Homeland Security Acquisition Portal (HSAP) for acquisition planning — research DHS procurement forecasts to identify upcoming opportunities.

3

For CBP and ICE work, understand that security background investigations are required for personnel with facility access.

4

Review DHS's Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) for subcontracting opportunities with DHS prime contractors.

5

For IT work, check DHS's EAGLE II and Alliant 2 GWAC positions held by the acquired firm.

Contract vehicles

Main Contracting Vehicles at DHS

DHS EAGLE II

IT services IDIQ for DHS components — positions held by acquired firms are immediately valuable.

GSA Alliant 2

Governmentwide IT GWAC frequently used by DHS for enterprise IT and cybersecurity.

FEMA subcontracting

FEMA disaster response creates surge demand for logistics, construction, and support services — often flows through prime contractors.

CBP Local Purchase Orders

Small-dollar facility maintenance, vehicle maintenance, and supply purchases at ports of entry — often awarded to local small businesses.

Acquisition strategy

Post-Acquisition Approach for DHS Contracts

DHS is a natural target for post-acquisition government contractors because its mission creates steady demand for services that translate directly to acquirable small businesses: janitorial and facilities maintenance at ports of entry, IT support at CBP and ICE facilities, construction and infrastructure at the border. Many of these contracts are performance-based with multi-year terms. An acquired firm with existing DHS facility clearances and active personnel badges at DHS locations has a relationship moat that takes years to replicate.

SAM.gov registration note

DHS solicitations appear on SAM.gov under agency code "DHS" and component codes (CBP, ICE, FEMA, TSA, USCG, USCIS, Secret Service). Filter by component agency and NAICS code to find opportunities relevant to the acquired firm's capabilities. DHS also uses eBuy for some professional services categories.

Free tool

Check your readiness for DHS contracts

10-question assessment covering SAM.gov registration, novation, working capital, certifications, and past performance.

Run Readiness Score →

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