Leidos is a $15 billion national security, health, and engineering solutions company. Spun out of Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) in 2013, Leidos now operates as a standalone defense and federal IT contractor with three segments: Defense Solutions, Civil, and Health. Its customers are primarily U.S. government agencies including DoD, DHS, NASA, NIH, and VA.
Leidos holds large IDIQ contracts and task order vehicles across the federal government. Federal prime contracts generate mandatory small business subcontracting plan requirements under FAR 52.219-9. The company publicly commits to supplier diversity and tracks spend against goals.
Leidos's supplier diversity program
Leidos publishes an ESG report that discloses supplier diversity metrics. The company is a corporate member of NMSDC and participates in veteran business programs and WBENC activities. The supplier diversity program is coordinated through their supply chain organization.
Leidos's Defense Solutions segment is its largest, focused on DoD, intelligence, and national security programs. The Civil segment handles civilian agency IT and engineering. The Health segment serves VA, NIH, and other health agencies. Each segment has distinct sourcing profiles, but all three operate under the same supplier diversity framework.
Leidos holds major contract vehicles including the National Airspace System Integration Support Contract (NISC), the NASA Scientific and Technical Information contract, and multiple DoD IDIQ vehicles. These vehicles generate recurring subcontracting needs.
Certifications accepted
Leidos recognizes:
SDVOSB: SBA Veteran Small Business Certification. Leidos's heavy VA and DoD presence makes SDVOSB one of the highest-demand categories.
WOSB/EDWOSB: SBA WOSB certification or WBENC WBE certification.
SDB / 8(a): SBA 8(a) certification.
HUBZone: SBA HUBZone certification.
VOSB: SBA VetCert VOSB.
MBE: NMSDC regional affiliate certification.
WBE: WBENC certification.
LGBTBE: NGLCC certification.
DOBE: Disability:IN certification.
For Leidos's federal subcontracting plans, SDVOSB, WOSB, SDB/8(a), and HUBZone align directly with the negotiated target categories. SDVOSB is particularly useful given the VA and DoD customer base.
How to register
Leidos uses Oracle iSupplier Portal for supplier registration. The registration path is accessible at leidos.com/about/supplier-relations.
Steps:
- Access the Leidos iSupplier Portal and create a new supplier registration.
- Complete company information: legal name, address, UEI, SAM.gov registration status, NAICS codes, and ownership demographics.
- Upload current certifications.
- Select capability categories from the portal's taxonomy.
- Submit for review by Leidos procurement.
Leidos's sourcing managers search the portal by NAICS code and commodity category. A complete, accurate profile with current certifications and well-selected NAICS codes is the minimum for discoverability.
SAM.gov registration is required for subcontract work on federal prime contracts. Leidos verifies SAM.gov status during supplier qualification.
Service and product categories
Leidos sources across a range of technical and professional services:
IT services: Network management, cloud services, systems integration, application development, helpdesk, and IT infrastructure. Leidos's Civil and Defense Solutions segments both have large IT subcontracting needs.
Cybersecurity: Penetration testing, security operations center (SOC) support, vulnerability management, and zero-trust implementation. Cleared cybersecurity professionals are in consistent demand.
Engineering services: Systems engineering, software engineering, aerospace engineering, and technical writing. Defense Solutions sources engineering support on aircraft, communications, and space programs.
Health IT and clinical services: Health information systems, clinical data management, and public health program support for the Health segment (VA, NIH, CDC clients). This is a growing category with specific experience requirements.
Data analytics: Data engineering, machine learning, and analytics for intelligence and civilian agency programs.
Program management: Federal program management support, acquisition support, and policy consulting.
Administrative and professional services: HR, training, communications, and facilities management at Leidos offices (headquarters in Reston, VA; major operations in San Diego, Huntsville, AL, and the DC metro).
Supply chain and logistics: Material management, kitting, and logistics support for Leidos programs with physical components.
Security clearances
Leidos holds a large cleared workforce. A significant portion of Defense Solutions and some Civil and Health work involves classified programs. Cleared IT professionals and engineers are among Leidos's most persistent hiring needs — and by extension, subcontracting needs.
If your firm has cleared personnel (Secret, TS, or TS/SCI), highlight that in your profile. It immediately separates you from the majority of registered suppliers.
Spend data and commitments
Leidos's ESG report discloses small business subcontracting performance by category. The company does not publicly disclose a specific annual diverse supplier spend dollar figure, but eSRS.gov data for specific Leidos contracts provides negotiated vs. actual performance by small business type.
Leidos's FY2023 ESG report (available at leidos.com/responsibility) shows the company's small business subcontracting statistics.
Realistic assessment
Leidos is more accessible than some defense primes because of its IT and professional services focus. You do not need manufacturing capability or aerospace quality certifications for most opportunities. The primary barriers are relevant past performance, clearances for classified work, and competitive pricing.
The DC metro, San Diego, and Huntsville markets are competitive. If you are in those areas with relevant credentials, Leidos is worth active pursuit. If you are outside these markets, remote IT and data services work is possible on some programs.
Health IT is a distinct and growing category. If your firm has experience with VA, NIH, or CDC systems and holds relevant certifications (SDVOSB is valuable here because of VA's statutory SDVOSB preferences), the Health segment offers focused opportunity.
Timeline to first subcontract: 6 to 18 months. IDIQ vehicle subcontracts move faster than standalone project work.
Next steps
- Register in the Leidos iSupplier Portal with complete company and certification information.
- Confirm SAM.gov registration is current with the right NAICS codes.
- Review Leidos's ESG report for current supplier diversity metrics.
- Search USASpending.gov for Leidos prime contracts in your capability area to understand active program spend.
- Attend small business events where Leidos participates: AFCEA, GovCon Summit, veteran business conferences, or NMSDC events.
- If you are SDVOSB-certified with health IT or VA experience, contact Leidos's Health segment supplier diversity team directly. The VA's SDVOSB procurement preferences flow through to how Leidos structures its subcontracting plans on VA contracts.
Leidos's scale, federal focus, and consistent subcontracting plan requirements make it a legitimate target for diverse IT, health, and engineering services firms. Register, build the relationship, and plan for a realistic multi-month pursuit.
