Web-Hero-Government-Contracting.jpg
Web-Hero-Government-Contracting.jpg

Government Contracting Services

Unmatched Access to the Federal Government

The Washington, D.C. metro region is the epicenter of government contracting activity in the United States, making Arlington one of the best communities for government contracting.

Contracting companies establish operations in Arlington to gain access to federal agencies, policymakers and influencers. Here, companies are able to conveniently collaborate with research institutions and think tanks and have the opportunity to serve as primes or subs for contract awards.  

The region has a unique ecosystem of firms and professionals specializing in the federal procurement process, with the right connections and experience to help companies win federal contracts. At the center of it all is Arlington, home of the Pentagon. Federal agencies have awarded contracts to companies in Arlington for decades. It is no coincidence that companies which want to work with the federal government locate in Arlington.

Download PDF

Government Contractors in Arlington

Defense Contracts

Defense Contracting

Arlington is home to the Pentagon, headquarters of the Department of Defense (DOD). The DOD awards nearly two-thirds of all federal contracts by value. Arlington is also home to Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR), Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and Office of Naval Research (ONR).

Funding for defense, intelligence, security and cybersecurity programs are key drivers for Arlington companies. A significant number of contracts are awarded in the areas of information technology, program and project management, education and training, international development, system engineering, logistics and veterans affairs.

In FY 2023, Northern Virginia companies were awarded nearly $95 billion in federal contracts, accounting for more than 15% of all federal procurement dollars. Federal contracts awarded to Arlington-based companies have increased by nearly 10% annually over the past five years. (Source: USAspending.gov)

Federal Ecosystem

Federal Contracting Ecosystem

Arlington offers resources designed to help government contractors secure contracts with federal agencies. Our innovative, informative programs can help you realize the full potential of your business as a government contractor:

Networking Organizations for Government Contracting Companies in Virginia and the Washington, D.C. Metro Region

FedTech — Defense innovation accelerator
National Security Innovation Network — Defense Innovation accelerator
In-Q-Tel — Investment
National Defense Industrial Association — Education and networking
Northern Virginia Technology Council — Advocacy and networking
Professional Services Council — Advocacy and Networking
Small and Emerging Contractors Advisory Forum — Education and Networking
Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation — Virginia Venture Partners and VIPC's Federal Funding Assistance Program

Training and Counseling

Virginia Procurement Technical Assistance Program — Counseling and Training
SCORE  — nation's largest network of free, expert business mentors 

Federal Funded Research and Development Centers

The Aerospace Corporation
Battelle

Carnegie Mellon University Software Engineering Institute
Center for Naval Analysis
Rand Corporation

Contract Resources

Federal Research Awards

Federal research award opportunities are plentiful and Arlington’s diverse ecosystem of federal contractors is well suited to meet the needs of the federal government. Learn about research award opportunities and how they may be able to propel your business forward.

Federal Research Award Opportunities

NEC National Security Systems | On Arlington's Central Location

IvySys is an R&D innovation partner to some of the U.S. Government’s most advanced research and development agencies. We have been located in Arlington since 2007. The close proximity of our Ballston office to R&D agencies, such as DARPA, has been essential to building on our relationships to better understand their problems.

Dr. James DeBardelaben, CEO, IvySys Technologies, LLC

Contact Us

Sindy Yeh, CEcD

Senior Business Ambassador

A Certified Economic Developer with more than two decades of experience in business development and program management, Sindy can assist with any questions regarding expansion or relocation.

Get In Touch