SOCOMUnited States Special Operations Command
Part of Department of Defense (DoD)
Annual Spend
$14B+ annually
CMMC Level
Level 2-3
Key Offices
PEO-SOF Warrior, SOFWERX
Overview
SOCOM procures approximately $14 billion annually in specialized equipment, weapons, communications, and services for special operations forces. SOCOM uses a high proportion of OTAs and rapid acquisition authorities through SOFWERX.
Mission Focus & Priorities
SOCOM's FY2026 priorities center on four critical areas: advanced AI/ML integration for predictive intelligence and autonomous systems, modernizing tactical communications through the Special Operations Forces Tactical Communications (SOF TACCOMMS) program, implementing zero-trust architecture across SOF networks, and accelerating cloud migration through the Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) contract. The Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) directorate drives 40% of contract activity, focusing on rapid prototyping and fielding of emerging technologies. The Program Executive Office for Special Operations Forces Warrior (PEO SOF Warrior) manages another 30% of procurement, emphasizing individual and crew-served weapons, protective equipment, and soldier systems. Key emerging technology areas with expanding budgets include counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS) technologies, advanced materials for lighter protective equipment, quantum-resistant encryption for tactical communications, and biometric identification systems. The Special Operations Research, Development, and Acquisition Center (SORDAC) is investing heavily in directed energy weapons and non-kinetic effects capabilities. CMMC 2.0 is significantly impacting SOCOM's procurement strategy, particularly affecting the Special Operations Technology Directorate's rapid acquisition initiatives. The command is requiring CMMC Level 2 certification for all contracts handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which encompasses most of their operational technology procurements. This requirement is being phased in across major programs including the Ground Mobility Vehicle (GMV) replacement, the Armed Overwatch aircraft program, and the Special Operations Forces Combat Assault Transport Aircraft (SOF CATA) initiative, creating new barriers for smaller innovative firms that traditionally support SOCOM's rapid acquisition needs.
Budget & Spending Trends
SOCOM's FY2025 budget authorization reached $14.8 billion, representing a 6.2% increase from FY2024's $13.9 billion, with FY2026 projected at $15.4 billion. Research, development, and acquisition accounts for approximately $3.8 billion (25% of total), while operations and maintenance consumes $8.2 billion (55%). Growing NAICS categories include 541712 (R&D in Physical Sciences, +18% to $1.2B), 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing, +15% to $2.1B), and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming, +22% to $890M). Declining categories include 336992 (Military Armored Vehicle Manufacturing, -8% to $780M) as programs transition from development to sustainment. The prime-to-subcontract ratio has shifted from 65:35 in FY2023 to 62:38 in FY2025, reflecting increased subcontracting complexity in emerging technology integrations. Set-aside trends show significant growth: Small Business awards increased 14% to $4.2 billion (28% of total), SDVOSB awards grew 19% to $1.8 billion (12%), while 8(a) awards remained stable at $1.1 billion (7.4%). HUBZone utilization declined 3% to $420 million (2.8%). Geographic concentration remains heavy in Virginia (28% - $4.1B), Florida (18% - $2.7B), and North Carolina (12% - $1.8B), driven by proximity to SOCOM headquarters and major special operations installations. California captured 11% ($1.6B) primarily in technology development, while Texas secured 8% ($1.2B) in aircraft and vehicle manufacturing contracts.
How to Win Contracts with SOCOM
SOCOM heavily utilizes the OASIS+ contract vehicle for professional services and the SEWP VI contract for IT hardware and software procurements. The Special Operations Forces Support Activity (SOFSA) manages logistics contracts primarily through the Defense Logistics Agency's Distribution and Pricing Agreement (DDPA) and the General Services Administration's Multiple Award Schedule (GSA MAS). For R&D activities, the Information Analysis Center (IAC) Multiple Award Contract (MAC) and the DoD Information Analysis Centers are preferred vehicles. Key procurement offices include the Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) at MacDill AFB focusing on rapid prototyping, and the 492nd Special Operations Wing contracting office at Hurlburt Field managing aircraft modifications. SAM.gov search strategies should target NAICS codes 541712, 336411, 334511, and PSC codes R425 (Engineering Services), 1510 (Aircraft Fixed Wing), and D316 (Information Technology Software). Use set-aside filters for SDVOSB and Small Business, and search for 'Special Operations' and 'SOF' keywords. Teaming is critical for SOCOM contracts; establish relationships with large primes like L3Harris, Raytheon, and General Dynamics, while leveraging the SBA Mentor-Protégé Program for capability building. Past performance requirements typically demand contracts worth $5M+ with direct SOF relevance within the past five years. RFP cycles average 90-120 days with emphasis on technical approach (40%), past performance (30%), and cost (30%). This week, BD professionals should: register for SOCOM Industry Days, establish relationships with contracting officers through one-on-one meetings, identify teaming partners through APEX Accelerator networking events, and submit capability statements to relevant program offices highlighting rapid delivery capabilities and security clearance levels.
CMMC Requirements for SOCOM Contractors
SOCOM requires CMMC Level 2 certification for all contracts involving Federal Contract Information (FCI) and Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), which encompasses approximately 75% of their technology and services contracts valued above $7.5M. Level 1 certification suffices only for basic commercial services and supplies without CUI handling. The command began incorporating CMMC clauses in solicitations starting Q2 FY2024, with full implementation across all applicable contracts by Q4 FY2025. SOCOM's aggressive timeline reflects their high-threat operational environment and emphasis on protecting sensitive operational capabilities information. Subcontractor flowdown requirements are particularly stringent, with prime contractors required to verify and monitor subcontractor CMMC compliance throughout contract performance, creating significant supply chain management challenges for complex weapon systems and IT integrations. The Special Operations Forces Acquisition, Technology and Logistics (SOF AT&L) directorate has established a CMMC Program Management Office to oversee compliance verification and contractor assessments. Early adopter offices include the SOF AT&L Information Systems Directorate and the 492nd Special Operations Wing's contracting squadron, which now require CMMC documentation during the proposal evaluation phase. Cost implications are substantial, with CMMC compliance adding an estimated 3-8% to contract values depending on complexity, particularly affecting small businesses that comprise 28% of SOCOM's contractor base. The command has established a CMMC cost allowability framework recognizing certification, assessment, and ongoing compliance costs as legitimate contract expenses, though contractors must demonstrate cost-effectiveness and avoid gold-plating security implementations beyond CMMC requirements.
Top NAICS Codes
Common Contract Types
Key Procurement Offices
Recent Contract Awards
Total Awards
13
Last 30 Days
5
30-Day Value
$1.2M
Avg Amount
$237K
All-Time Value
$16.4B
FPDS
| Contract | Awardee | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| MARSOC Initial Equipment Multiple Award BPA | Products360 Strategy & Services L.L.C. | $350K |
| MARSOC Initial Equipment Multiple Award BPA | AM INDUSTRIES LLC | $350K |
| MARSOC Initial Equipment Multiple Award BPA | TWG OF AMERICA, INC. | $350K |
| JEB Little Creek Ft Story: Portable chemical toilet and hand-washing station placement and servicing | BSE PERFORMANCE, LLC | $34K |
| Fitness Equipment Maintenance & Repair | BMR ENTERPRISES LLC | $100K |
| POTFF Family Retreat | GREAT WOLF LODGE OF COLORADO, LLC | $13K |
| MARITIME COURSES OF INSTRUCTION | TRAINING RESOURCES LIMITED, A NEVADA CORPORATION | $2.0M |
| Commemorative Plaques | GovLink LLC | $79K |
| Special Events and Ceremonies (SEC) | STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS UNLIMITED, INC | $3.2M |
| Special Events and Ceremonies (SEC) | TERRESTRIS, LLC | $3.2M |
Top Awardees
Top Contractors (FPDS)
| Contractor | Total Obligation |
|---|---|
| L3HARRIS TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | $1.3B |
| LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION | $841.2M |
| IGOV TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | $762.7M |
| THE BOEING COMPANY | $659.4M |
| L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | $636.4M |
| ANDURIL INDUSTRIES, INC. | $499.5M |
| GLOBAL ENTERPRISE SOLUTIONS, INC. | $340.2M |
| BLUE TECH INC. | $308.8M |
| MCP COMPUTER PRODUCTS INC | $306.2M |
| VIASAT INC | $299.4M |
Get real-time alerts for SOCOM contracts and track opportunities matching your profile.
Get AlertsFrequently Asked Questions
How do I find contracts with SOCOM?
Search SAM.gov for active United States Special Operations Command solicitations. Monitor the SOCOM procurement forecast published annually. Register in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and set up saved searches for relevant NAICS codes.
Does SOCOM require CMMC?
Yes, United States Special Operations Command requires CMMC certification for contracts involving CUI. Most contracts require Level 2-3. Contractors should begin the certification process well in advance of bidding.
What are the top NAICS codes for SOCOM contracts?
The most commonly used NAICS codes for United States Special Operations Command contracts include 541511, 541715, 336992, 332994, 541330. These codes cover the primary contracting areas for SOCOM. Check SAM.gov for specific opportunities under each code.
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