Corporate Program
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
Diversity Goal
23% small business statutory goal
Annual Diverse Spend
$80+ billion to small businesses
Certifications Accepted
3
Supplier Portal
Visit ↗Program overview
How U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)'s supplier diversity program works.
The Department of Defense is the largest single purchaser of goods and services in the world, with an annual budget exceeding $700 billion.
DoD has aggressive small business goals:
- 23% overall small business
- 5% small disadvantaged business (8a)
- 5% women-owned small business
- 3% HUBZone
- 3% service-disabled veteran-owned
Key acquisition commands:
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) - supplies and logistics
- Army, Navy, Air Force contracting commands
- Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) - IT
Accepted certifications
Which certifications U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) recognizes.
To register on U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)'s supplier portal as a diverse supplier, you need to hold at least one of the certifications below. Each link goes to the full guide for that certification: eligibility rules, application steps, and the issuing body.
Categories of spend
What U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) sources from diverse suppliers.
Registration process
How to register as a U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) supplier.
1. Register in SAM.gov with your UEI
2. Identify relevant DoD buying commands
3. Review opportunities on SAM.gov
4. Consider mentor-protégé programs
5. Attend DoD small business events
From the procurement team
What U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) buyers look for.
- Start with DLA for products - they buy everything from food to fuel
- Cybersecurity (CMMC) certification is increasingly required
- Joint ventures with established contractors can accelerate entry
- Subcontracting with large primes is an excellent starting point
- Register in DoD's Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs)
Matchmaking events
Where to meet U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) buyers in person.
Annual DoD Small Business Summit and regional matchmaking events
Other buyers like this one
Corporate programs sourcing in similar categories.
Before you apply
Confirm certification before registering with U.S. Department of Defense (DoD).
U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)'s supplier portal requires a current diverse-business certification at registration. The quiz cross-checks which certifications U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) accepts against the ones your business qualifies for, so you don't waste time pursuing a certification this buyer won't recognize.