Defense and aerospace contracts and funding for small businesses
The Department of Defense is the biggest buyer in the federal government. Small companies win work directly, as subcontractors to large primes, and through research awards and fast-track prototype deals.
1,399open federal bids in this field right now, updated Oct 27, 2026
202of those set aside for small, veteran-owned, woman-owned or HUBZone firms
157open and upcoming federal grants mention this work on Grants.gov
See which of these fit your company. Free, about 20 seconds, no sign-up.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration8 open bids
Department of Commerce3 open bids
Department of Energy3 open bids
Common questions
Can a small defense & aerospace company win federal money?
Yes. Many federal bids are reserved for small businesses, and research awards (SBIR/STTR) are only open to them. Right now 1,399 federal bids in this field are open, 202 of them set aside for small or certified businesses.
What's the difference between a grant and a contract?
A grant funds a project the government wants to support, and you don't deliver a product to the agency. A contract buys goods or services from you. Many companies use grants to develop a product and contracts to sell it.
How do I find the opportunities that fit my company?
Type your company into Open Purse. In about 20 seconds you'll see the open grants, bids, contracts coming up for re-bid, and partnership programs that fit you, each with a plain-English reason and a first step. Searching is free.