How to Sell to the U.S. Army
The U.S. Army is the largest branch of the military by personnel and one of the biggest buyers in the federal government, awarding over $150 billion annually in contracts. From IT services and logistics to weapon systems and base operations, the Army offers vast opportunities for businesses of every size across nearly every industry.
100M+ government records · 300+ gov/news sources · Updated hourly
Army Contracting Command (ACC)
Army Contracting Command (ACC), headquartered at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Alabama, is the Army's principal contracting organization. ACC manages acquisitions for nearly all Army programs, from major weapon systems and information technology to professional services and logistics support. ACC operates under the Army Materiel Command (AMC) and provides contracting support to the entire Army enterprise.
ACC's mission is to provide agile, innovative, and effective contracting solutions that enable Army readiness. The command employs thousands of contracting professionals across multiple subordinate organizations, each specializing in different commodity areas and geographic regions. For contractors, understanding which ACC subordinate handles your products or services is essential for targeting the right buyer.
ACC also manages several enterprise-wide contract vehicles that streamline procurement across the Army. These vehicles reduce acquisition lead times and provide pre-competed access to Army buyers, making them valuable for established contractors seeking recurring work.
Major Buying Activities
ACC operates through several subordinate contracting centers, each with distinct buying portfolios and geographic areas of responsibility.
ACC-Aberdeen Proving Ground (ACC-APG)
Located in Maryland, ACC-APG supports the Army's research, development, and engineering community. It contracts for C5ISR (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance) systems, chemical and biological defense, and test and evaluation services. ACC-APG is a primary buyer for emerging technology and R&D services.
ACC-New Jersey (ACC-NJ)
Based at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, ACC-NJ manages contracting for Army communications, electronics, and information systems. It supports PEO C3T (Command, Control, and Communications-Tactical) and PEO IEW&S (Intelligence, Electronic Warfare, and Sensors), handling billions in annual acquisitions for network modernization and tactical communications.
Mission and Installation Contracting Command (MICC)
MICC provides contracting support at Army installations worldwide. It handles base operations, facility maintenance, construction, services, and supplies at the installation level. MICC is the Army's largest contracting organization by number of actions and is a major source of opportunities for small businesses, especially for services and construction contracts.
ACC-Rock Island (ACC-RI)
Located at Rock Island Arsenal, Illinois, ACC-RI supports Army sustainment and logistics programs. It contracts for vehicle maintenance, ammunition production, and logistics support services. ACC-RI also manages several Army-wide service contracts and supports the Army Sustainment Command.
ACC-Redstone Arsenal (ACC-RSA)
Handles aviation, missile, and space-related acquisitions. Supports PEO Aviation, PEO Missiles and Space, and the Space and Missile Defense Command. Major programs include Apache helicopters, Black Hawk upgrades, Patriot missile systems, and hypersonic weapons development.
ACC-Warren (ACC-WRN)
Located at Detroit Arsenal in Warren, Michigan, ACC-WRN manages ground combat and tactical vehicle acquisitions. It supports PEO Ground Combat Systems and PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support, contracting for programs like Abrams tanks, Bradley Fighting Vehicles, and Strykers.
Army Futures Command Modernization Priorities
Army Futures Command (AFC), established in 2018 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, leads the Army's modernization enterprise. AFC drives requirements, designs future force concepts, and accelerates the delivery of capabilities to soldiers. For contractors, AFC represents the future demand signal — understanding its priorities positions your company for the next generation of Army programs.
AFC's modernization priorities are organized around six key areas: Long-Range Precision Fires (extended-range artillery and missiles), Next-Generation Combat Vehicles (optionally manned fighting vehicles and robotic combat platforms), Future Vertical Lift (next-gen helicopters replacing Black Hawks and Apaches), the Army Network (tactical communications and data infrastructure), Air and Missile Defense (integrated layered defense against advanced threats), and Soldier Lethality (individual soldier equipment, weapons, and squad-level systems).
AFC also hosts the Army Applications Laboratory (AAL) in Austin, which actively seeks commercial technology partnerships. The AAL uses Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) and Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADAs) to rapidly prototype and transition commercial innovations into Army programs, bypassing traditional FAR-based procurement timelines.
Cross-Functional Teams (CFTs) within AFC align modernization efforts across these priority areas. Each CFT includes requirements developers, testers, and acquisition professionals who work together to accelerate fielding. Engaging with the relevant CFT early in the requirements process can shape how the Army defines and procures new capabilities.
Key Army Contract Vehicles
ITES-3S (Information Technology Enterprise Solutions 3 Services)
A $12.1 billion multiple-award IDIQ contract vehicle managed by the Computer Hardware Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) office. ITES-3S covers a broad range of IT services including cybersecurity, cloud migration, enterprise IT, network engineering, help desk, and software development. It is the Army's primary vehicle for IT services acquisitions and is used by commands across the enterprise. Task orders are competed among ITES-3S holders, giving awardees access to the Army's entire IT services market.
RS3 (Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services)
A multi-billion dollar IDIQ vehicle managed by ACC for professional, scientific, and technical services. RS3 covers knowledge-based services including program management, logistics, engineering, and technical support. The vehicle is available to all Army organizations and certain DoD agencies. RS3 is divided into functional areas with separate pools for small businesses and full-and-open competition, ensuring meaningful small business participation.
CHESS (Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions)
The Army's mandatory source for commercial IT hardware and software. CHESS manages catalog contracts and blanket purchase agreements with major OEMs and resellers. All Army organizations must purchase commercial IT products through CHESS contracts unless a waiver is approved. For IT product vendors, getting on a CHESS contract is essential for accessing the Army market.
OASIS+ and Other Cross-Government Vehicles
The Army also uses governmentwide vehicles like OASIS+, SEWP VI, and GSA Schedules for various acquisitions. Army buyers frequently issue task orders against these vehicles for professional services, IT solutions, and consulting engagements, particularly when speed or interagency requirements drive the acquisition strategy.
PEO Structure and How It Affects Procurement
The Army organizes its major acquisition programs under Program Executive Offices (PEOs). Each PEO manages a portfolio of related programs and has authority to direct acquisitions, set requirements, and manage contracts. Understanding the PEO structure is critical because PEOs drive requirements and acquisition strategies for their programs — they are the true decision-makers behind many Army procurements.
Key PEOs include: PEO Aviation (helicopters, unmanned aircraft), PEO Missiles and Space (missile defense, space systems), PEO Ground Combat Systems (tanks, fighting vehicles), PEO Combat Support & Combat Service Support (tactical vehicles, engineer equipment), PEO C3T (communications, networks), PEO IEW&S (intelligence systems, electronic warfare), PEO STRI (simulation, training), PEO Soldier (individual equipment, weapons), and PEO Enterprise Information Systems (enterprise IT, ERP systems).
Each PEO has a Program Management office structure with Program Managers (PMs) for individual systems and Product Managers for subsystems or components. Engaging at the PM level during market research phases, industry days, and Requests for Information (RFIs) is the most effective way to influence requirements and position for upcoming competitions.
PEOs work with ACC contracting centers to execute procurements. While the PEO defines what to buy and the technical requirements, ACC handles the contracting process. Successful Army contractors build relationships with both the PEO technical community and the ACC contracting professionals.
Find Army Contract Opportunities
Search across all Army buying commands and contract vehicles in one place. Get alerts when new opportunities match your capabilities.
Sign Up Free