DHS and CBP Federal Contracting: Homeland Security Opportunities for Small Businesses

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is one of the largest federal contracting agencies — awarding approximately $20–25 billion annually across its operational components. From border security and transportation screening to cybersecurity and emergency management, DHS creates significant contracting opportunities in IT, security services, logistics, professional services, and construction.

For small businesses, DHS is an active user of set-asides and a consistent participant in small business outreach programs.

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DHS's Major Operating Components

DHS is organized into 22 components. The largest from a contracting perspective:

Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

CBP is the nation's largest federal law enforcement agency and a major federal contractor buyer. CBP contracting spans:

• Technology: Integrated Fixed Towers, surveillance systems, biometric systems, border camera networks
• IT systems: TECS modernization, Global Entry/Trusted Traveler systems, trade data systems
• Facilities: Ports of entry construction and renovation, land border facilities, checkpoint upgrades
• Air and Marine: Aircraft maintenance, avionics, sensor systems for the Air and Marine Operations fleet
• Staffing support: Training support, administrative support for CBP's 60,000+ workforce

CBP awards contracts through its Office of Acquisition and through DHS-wide acquisition vehicles.

Transportation Security Administration (TSA)

TSA operates aviation security screening nationwide and awards significant contracts for:

• Screening equipment: Advanced Imaging Technology (AIT), explosive trace detection, X-ray equipment
• IT systems: Secure Flight (passenger screening), credential validation, network infrastructure
• Passenger screening support: Canine teams, behavior detection support, pre-clearance programs
• Facilities: Checkpoint renovation and equipment installation at 440+ airports

TSA contracting is concentrated in security technology and airport infrastructure — a specialized market with specific technical requirements.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

FEMA awards contracts for disaster response, preparedness programs, and disaster recovery:

• Disaster response contracts: Pre-positioned contracts for temporary power, blue roofs, debris removal, housing, and logistics activated during declared disasters
• Preparedness programs: National exercise program support, planning support, training development
• National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP): Actuarial services, policy processing systems, claims management
• Hazard Mitigation: Technical assistance and community resilience programs

Disaster response contracting is unique — many contracts are indefinite delivery vehicles pre-competed, then task orders are issued when disasters occur. Award timing is unpredictable but the need is continuous.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

ICE contracting includes:

• Detention facility operations: Housing and management of detained individuals (large prime contracts)
• Deportation logistics: Transportation services, airline charters
• Technology: Case management systems, identity management, forensics tools
• Investigations support: Digital forensics, data analytics, surveillance technology

Secret Service (USSS)

Protective services and financial crimes investigation:

• Protective equipment and vehicles
• IT systems for investigations and protective intelligence
• Training facilities and logistics

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA)

CISA manages federal cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection:

• CDM (Continuous Diagnostics and Mitigation): An $8B+ GWAC for cybersecurity tools and services across federal agencies
• Shared cybersecurity services: Threat intelligence, vulnerability scanning, security operations
• Critical infrastructure protection: Sector-specific risk assessment and technical assistance contracts

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DHS-Wide Contract Vehicles

DHS uses several agency-wide acquisition vehicles that all DHS components can use:

EAGLE II (Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading-Edge Solutions): DHS's primary IT IDIQ vehicle. EAGLE II has ended but DHS is transitioning programs to DHS EAGLE Next Generation and other vehicles.

PACTS (Procurement for Architecture, Construction, Technology and Security): DHS's professional services vehicle for architecture, engineering, IT, and security services.

DHS SEWP (Science and Technology Directorate): DHS S&T's research and development contracts.

Broader GWACs: DHS actively uses government-wide vehicles including OASIS+, CIO-SP4, SEWP V, and 8(a) STARS III for IT and professional services.

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CBP Technology Contracting: A Deep Dive

CBP's border technology program is one of the most active federal technology markets:

Integrated Fixed Tower (IFT) program: Long-term surveillance tower network along the southern border — sensors, cameras, radar integration, communication systems, maintenance.

Biometrics: CBP's biometric entry-exit program uses facial recognition at major airports — contracts for biometric systems, data management, and system integration.

Autonomous systems and air surveillance: CBP's Air and Marine Operations uses unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for border surveillance — a growing market for UAS and sensor technology.

Trade and cargo systems: CBP's trade mission generates IT contracts for Automated Commercial Environment (ACE), trade data analytics, and targeting systems.

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FEMA Disaster Response Contracting

FEMA's pre-positioned disaster response contracts are some of the most unusual in federal contracting:

How they work: FEMA competes multiple-award IDIQ contracts in advance of disasters. When a Presidential Disaster Declaration is issued, FEMA activates existing contracts and places task orders for immediate response.

Contract types:

• FIRST (Field-Deployable Infrastructure Support): Logistics and infrastructure support
• Temporary Power Contracts: Generators and temporary power for critical facilities
• Mission assignments: FEMA may task other federal agencies, which in turn contract with private vendors
• STEP (Sheltering and Temporary Essential Power): Housing repair and temporary generators for disaster survivors

For small businesses: Geographic preference in disaster contracting is real — FEMA prioritizes local and state contractors for recovery work in disaster areas. Small businesses in disaster-prone areas should establish relationships with FEMA and build past performance on regional contracts before disasters strike.

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Homeland Security Clearances

Many DHS contracts require personnel security clearances. CBP, TSA, ICE, and USSS are law enforcement agencies requiring background investigations for contractor staff:

CBP Suitability Clearance: CBP requires a CBP suitability background investigation for contractor staff accessing CBP facilities or systems — a separate process from SCI/TS clearances.

TSA Sensitive Security Information (SSI): TSA personnel working with security plans and procedures must be cleared for Sensitive Security Information, a non-SCI access designation.

ICE and Secret Service: Some ICE and USSS contracts require Secret or Top Secret clearances. Facilities clearances (FCL) may be required for companies performing classified work.

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How Small Businesses Enter the DHS Market

Step 1: Attend DHS Small Business Industry Days

DHS OSDBU hosts an annual DHS Industry Day and component-specific events. These are the primary entry point for building DHS relationships.

Step 2: Target the OSDBU Contacts

Each DHS component has an OSDBU representative. Contact the OSDBU at your target components and register as a small business vendor. Ask about upcoming procurements, set-aside opportunities, and how to get on vendors of record lists.

Step 3: Identify Relevant Contract Vehicles

Many DHS task orders are issued through existing vehicles (OASIS+, 8(a) STARS III, CDM, PACTS). If you don't have a position on the relevant vehicle, you cannot compete for task orders. Identify which vehicles DHS components use for work in your capability area.

Step 4: Pursue Subcontracting

DHS prime contractors include major defense and IT firms. For small businesses, subcontracting with these primes is often the fastest market entry path. Large DHS primes with active subcontracting programs include Leidos, SAIC, General Dynamics, Accenture Federal Services, and Booz Allen Hamilton.

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Key Takeaways

• DHS awards $20B+ annually across CBP, TSA, FEMA, ICE, CISA, and other components — spanning IT, security, logistics, construction, and professional services.
• CBP's border technology program is one of the most active federal tech markets — surveillance systems, biometrics, trade IT, and UAS are high-growth areas.
• FEMA disaster response contracts are pre-positioned IDIQs — small businesses in disaster-prone areas should build relationships and past performance before disasters strike.
• CISA's CDM program ($8B+) is the primary federal cybersecurity program for civilian agencies — a major opportunity for cybersecurity companies.
• DHS uses OASIS+, 8(a) STARS III, and CIO-SP4 for professional services and IT — position on these GWACs is essential for DHS task order competition.
• DHS annual Industry Day is the primary relationship entry point — register with each component's OSDBU for small business outreach and upcoming procurement information.

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