Thousands of individual and corporate defense contractors are employed by the US Government.Thousands of people are employed by the Department of Defense, the various branches of the military and the companies they contract with.In order to maintain the country's defense, the government contracts with both large and small businesses to provide services.There are many opportunities to be had in the defense industry if you are willing to work hard and get a security clearance, but it can be difficult to break into defense contracting.
Step 1: Become a U.S Citizen.
Most U.S. defense contractor positions require applicants to be citizens of the United States.If you are not a native citizen, you can take an extensive test on English and civics to become a naturalized citizen.
Step 2: You should be able to obtain security clearance.
You can't get a security clearance until you are employed in a government job or have been sponsored by a company.Before you begin, you should try to determine if you are eligible for clearance.This is a good sign that you will be able to get a security clearance again.Past criminal convictions that lead to jail time of 1 year or more are some of the factors that prevent a person from obtaining a security clearance.Current use of illegal substances.A mental health professional is approved by the Department of Defense.A discharge from the military.Unwillingness to give up a passport.Repeated financial problems.false statements are made in the application process.Repeated abuse of alcohol.A pattern of criminal activity.
Step 3: Be willing to go somewhere else.
To get the best shot at getting a defense contractor job, you should be willing to relocate.
Step 4: Talk with other defense contractors.
To learn the ins and outs of becoming a U.S. defense contractor, you should talk to people who already have the kind of position you are hoping to land.These individuals can give you tips on how to find jobs, red flags to look for on job listings, and position-specific instructions to format your resume and complete your application in a way that gets you hired.
Step 5: You can find on-line job listings.
The Department of Defense has a website for civilian employment opportunities.If you want to look for these jobs, you can either go to the DoD's website and click "Employment" or use the main www.usajobs.gov portal.Private companies looking to hire individuals into defense contractor positions usually advertise on major job search websites.To find these positions, enter "defense contractor" into the search line.
Step 6: All you have to do is fill out the application.
The application process for government jobs is lengthy.Before you submit the application, make sure to fill it out completely.Obtaining a defense contractor position will eventually require a thorough background check, and any errors or omissions in your application are likely to be exposed.
Step 7: Don't be impatient.
The hiring process for government jobs takes more time than it does in the private sector.It will take anywhere from several weeks to a few months to find out if your application made the first cut, and even longer to get all the way through the application and evaluation process.If you get the job, the payoff will be worth the wait.
Step 8: Don't let the security investigation process distract you.
If you are offered a position or become a finalist, you will need to go through a rigorous investigation process to get security clearance.You have to fully comply with this process, answer all questions and give accurate information.It is unfortunate to lose out at the end of the application process due to a mistake or omission, but it happens.
Step 9: The United States Government is interested in working with you.
Major companies are not the only ones that the U.S. Government works with.A large portion of the Department of Defense's budget is devoted to contracting with small businesses.The bid selection process gives more advantages to small businesses owned by women, veterans, and minorities.Working with the Department of Defense can be beneficial to your small business.
Step 10: Do your homework.
Understanding and following a lot of complicated rules and procedures is what it takes to work with the federal government.A guide for small business that wish to take on federal contracts is maintained by the U.S. Small Business Administration.The Guide to DOD Contracting Opportunities can be found on the ACQ website.The materials noted above are dense, but know that the paperwork you will need to keep up with to seek and maintain government contracts will be just as bad, so consider these litmus tests for whether or not you are up for the challenge.
Step 11: Think about what your company can offer the government.
Before you apply for government contracts, you should have a good understanding of your own company.Think about how much you can charge for a specific product or service and make a profit.
Step 12: You should be prepared to apply for security clearance.
Some of the employees who will be involved in carrying out the contract must have security clearance.Think about the problems that might be present in your own background.If you didn't run background checks on your employees when they were hired, you should talk to them about your intentions to apply for government contracts with them, and let them know that they may be required to obtain security clearance to continue with the company.
Step 13: It's time to do a lot of paperwork.
A lot of paperwork is required to apply for and carry out a federal contract.Budget extra time and resources to deal with this paperwork, and be sure that you are up for the challenge before proceeding.
Step 14: Determine the NAICS code for the service or product you want to give.
You need this information to complete applications and look for contracts.It can be found at www.naics.com/search.
Step 15: You should register as a government contractor.
Dun & Bradstreet will give you a D-U-N-S identification number.You can get your D-U-N-S number for free.
Step 16: You should check the government website for open contracts.
The Department of Defense and the armed forces are listed on the "Contract Opportunities" website.It's a good idea to check the site frequently for contracts that your business might be able to compete for.
Step 17: If you need help, contact your local Procurement Technical Assistance Center.
In most states, these centers can help you figure out the best way to market your product or service to the DOD.They can give more general advice to small businesses.
Step 18: Provide your proposal to the agency.
Make sure to follow all directions in the call for bids in your proposal, and to clearly and specifically explain how your company can provide the product or service that the agency is seeking.Make your presentation as professional and clear as possible by providing detailed product brochures and any other helpful materials.
Step 19: Maintaining contacts in the industry is important.
It's important to have real human contacts in the defense industry in order to get the inside scoop on upcoming opportunities and how to market yourself for open contracts.Look for contacts within the agencies you would like to contract with.Follow any websites or publications maintained by these agencies.
Step 20: Comply with the security clearances.
Depending on the nature of the contract, the agency hiring you will send you information on obtaining security clearance for yourself, your company, and your facility.To fully comply with all aspects of the investigation, be ready to complete any preliminary paperwork that is requested.Failure to comply will result in the revocation of your contract.