How to Get DHS Contracts: Complete Guide to Department of Homeland Security Contracting

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a massive federal agency with over $15 billion in annual contract spending across border security, disaster response, immigration services, cybersecurity, and transportation security. Created after 9/11, DHS operates critical agencies including FEMA, TSA, CBP, ICE, USCIS, and the Coast Guard.

Why Pursue DHS Contracts:

DHS offers diverse opportunities across security, emergency management, IT, and mission support:

Disaster Response and Emergency Management
FEMA contracts for disaster relief logistics, emergency supplies, temporary housing, debris removal, and emergency communications. Hurricane seasons and natural disasters create urgent, high-value contracting opportunities.

Border Security and Immigration
CBP and ICE need surveillance technology, detention facility services, transportation and logistics, case management systems, and investigative support. Immigration services (USCIS) require IT systems, data processing, and customer service support.

Transportation Security
TSA contracts for screening equipment, checkpoint operations support, canine services, and security technology. Airports nationwide create recurring local opportunities.

Cybersecurity
CISA (Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency) contracts for cyber threat intelligence, penetration testing, incident response, and security operations center (SOC) services.

Annual Contract Spending by DHS Component:

• FEMA: $4-5 billion (disaster response, emergency supplies, logistics)
• CBP (Customs and Border Protection): $3-4 billion (border tech, facilities, enforcement support)
• TSA: $2-3 billion (screening equipment, checkpoint operations, IT)
• ICE: $2-3 billion (detention services, transportation, case management)
• USCIS: $1-2 billion (IT systems, application processing, call centers)
• Coast Guard: $1-2 billion (vessel maintenance, maritime support, aviation)
• CISA: $500M-$1B (cybersecurity services, critical infrastructure protection)

Who Should Pursue DHS Contracts:

DHS is ideal for contractors in:

• Emergency management and disaster response


• Security services and technology


• IT and cybersecurity


• Logistics and supply chain


• Facilities management and construction


• Professional services and mission support

To compete for DHS contracts, complete these registration steps:

1. SAM.gov Registration (Required)

Register at sam.gov with:

• DUNS/UEI number


• TIN (Tax Identification Number)


• NAICS codes for your services (561621 for security services, 541512 for IT, 562910 for disaster cleanup)


• Banking information for payment


• Representations and certifications

Processing time: 2-3 weeks. Free to register.

2. Security Clearances (Component-Dependent)

Some DHS contracts require personnel security clearances:

• Public Trust: Background investigation for positions with access to sensitive but unclassified information


• Secret: Required for classified programs at CBP, ICE, Coast Guard, CISA


• Top Secret: Required for select intelligence and cyber programs

Apply for clearances through a sponsoring agency or employer with a facility security clearance (FSC).

3. DHS EAGLE II Registration (For IT Contracts)

Enterprise Acquisition Gateway for Leading Edge Solutions II (EAGLE II) is DHS primary IT contract vehicle:

• $22 billion ceiling across all DHS components


• Unrestricted and small business pools


• Covers IT services, cybersecurity, systems integration, managed services

If you missed EAGLE II on-ramp, monitor for EAGLE III solicitation (expected 2025-2026).

4. FirstSource II Registration (For Professional Services)

FirstSource II is DHS contract vehicle for mission support services:

• Administrative, clerical, and technical support


• Program management and consulting


• Financial and acquisition support

Check dhs.gov/eagle for upcoming on-ramps.

5. DHS OSDBU Registration

Register with DHS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization:

• Create profile at dhs.gov/osbp


• Receive notifications of small business opportunities


• Access mentor-protege and subcontracting opportunities

1. Disaster Response and Emergency Management ($4B+ annually via FEMA)

FEMA contracts for disaster relief:

• Temporary housing (mobile homes, temporary structures)


• Debris removal and waste management after disasters


• Emergency supplies (water, food, generators, tarps)


• Logistics and distribution services


• Emergency communications and IT infrastructure


• Disaster case management and recovery services

Typical contract values: $1M-$100M+ per contract, often awarded rapidly after declared disasters

Entry strategy: Get on FEMA IDIQ vehicles before disasters strike, establish regional partnerships, maintain surge capacity.

2. Border Security Technology ($3B+ annually via CBP)

CBP contracts for border surveillance and enforcement:

• Surveillance technology (sensors, cameras, radar systems)


• Biometric identification systems


• Vehicle and cargo inspection equipment


• Command and control systems


• Unmanned aircraft systems (drones)


• Border infrastructure and facilities

Typical contract values: $5M-$500M per contract

Entry strategy: Partner with large defense contractors, focus on integration and support services rather than hardware manufacturing.

3. IT and Cybersecurity ($3B+ annually across DHS)

All DHS components need IT infrastructure and cyber defense:

• Network security and monitoring


• Cloud migration and infrastructure modernization


• Application development and maintenance


• Cybersecurity operations center (SOC) services


• Penetration testing and vulnerability assessment


• Incident response and threat intelligence

Typical contract values: $1M-$50M per contract

Entry strategy: Get on EAGLE II or partner with EAGLE II primes, pursue FedRAMP and CMMC certifications.

4. Transportation Security ($2B+ annually via TSA)

TSA contracts for airport and transportation security:

• Checkpoint screening equipment maintenance


• Explosive detection systems


• Canine detection teams


• Security technology testing and evaluation


• IT systems for passenger screening and vetting


• Facility security and access control

Typical contract values: $500K-$20M per contract

Entry strategy: Target local airport contracts, partner with security technology vendors, build relationships with Federal Security Directors at major airports.

5. Mission Support Services ($2B+ annually across DHS)

DHS components need professional services:

• Program management and consulting


• Financial management and acquisition support


• Training and curriculum development


• Human resources and administrative support


• Facilities maintenance and operations


• Logistics and supply chain management

Typical contract values: $250K-$10M per contract

Entry strategy: Most accessible category for new contractors, leverage FirstSource II vehicle, target smaller DHS facilities and regional offices.

Small Business Contracting Goals:

DHS must award at least:

• 23% to small businesses overall


• 5% to Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB)


• 3% to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB)


• 3% to HUBZone businesses


• 3% to 8(a) businesses

These goals create $3+ billion in set-aside opportunities annually.

DHS Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)

Free resources:

• One-on-one counseling: Schedule sessions to discuss your capabilities and identify DHS opportunities


• Industry days and matchmaking events: Connect directly with DHS contracting officers and program managers


• Mentor-Protege Program: Partner with established DHS contractors


• Forecast of contracting opportunities: Access upcoming solicitations by quarter

Contact: dhs.gov/osbp

8(a) Opportunities at DHS

If you are 8(a) certified, DHS can award sole-source contracts:

• Up to $4 million for services


• Up to $7 million for manufacturing

DHS awards hundreds of 8(a) contracts annually, particularly for mission support services.

DHS Component Small Business Offices

Each DHS component has dedicated small business office:

• FEMA OSDBU: Focus on disaster response capabilities


• TSA Small Business: Focus on transportation security


• CBP Small Business: Focus on border security and trade


• ICE Small Business: Focus on enforcement and detention services


• USCIS Small Business: Focus on immigration services and IT

Register with the specific component you are targeting for better visibility.

Step 1: Choose Your Target Component

DHS has 8 major components - focus on one:

• FEMA: Best for emergency management, logistics, disaster response


• TSA: Best for security services, IT, airport operations


• CBP: Best for border tech, trade, enforcement support


• CISA: Best for cybersecurity, critical infrastructure


• USCIS: Best for IT, customer service, case management


• Coast Guard: Best for maritime, aviation, facilities maintenance

Each component operates independently with different acquisition approaches.

Step 2: Get on the Right Contract Vehicle

DHS awards most work through contract vehicles:

• EAGLE II: IT services and cybersecurity (if still accepting contractors)


• FirstSource II: Professional and mission support services


• FEMA IDIQs: Disaster response (register before disasters strike)


• TSA Screener Services: Checkpoint operations support

Getting on a vehicle requires one-time proposal, then you compete for task orders.

Step 3: Build Security Clearances

Many DHS contracts require cleared personnel:

• Start clearance process through current employer with FSC or through DHS sponsorship


• Maintain clearances by accepting cleared positions elsewhere if needed


• Highlight cleared staff in capability statements and proposals

Cleared small businesses have significant competitive advantage.

Step 4: Focus on Regional/Local Opportunities First

Start with DHS facilities in your region:

• TSA operations at local airports


• FEMA regional offices (10 regions nationwide)


• CBP ports of entry in your area


• ICE field offices in your city


• Coast Guard stations and bases nearby

Local presence and relationships matter.

Step 5: Partner with Established DHS Contractors

Your first DHS work will likely be as a subcontractor:

• Monitor newly awarded DHS contracts and contact primes


• Attend DHS matchmaking events to meet primes seeking subs


• Register on platforms where primes post subcontracting opportunities


• Offer unique capabilities (clearances, specialized tech, regional presence)

DHS-Specific Resources:

DHS Acquisition Resources:

• DHS OSDBU: dhs.gov/osbp


• DHS Forecast: dhs.gov/publication/acquisition-forecast


• EAGLE II: dhs.gov/eagle


• FirstSource II: Contact DHS Office of Procurement Operations

Component Small Business Offices:

• FEMA OSDBU: fema.gov/about/offices/office-chief-procurement-officer


• TSA Small Business: tsa.gov/for-industry/small-business


• CBP Small Business: cbp.gov/trade/programs-administration/small-business


• CISA: cisa.gov (check under Stakeholder Engagement)


• USCIS: uscis.gov (search "small business")


• Coast Guard: uscg.mil/Acquisition

Training and Events:

• DHS Industry Day: Annual event (usually fall) with all DHS components


• FEMA Quarterly Small Business Events: Regional matchmaking


• TSA Small Business Events: Hosted by airports and Federal Security Directors

External Resources:

• GovContractScout: Get matched to DHS opportunities based on your capabilities


• APEX Accelerators: Free government contracting assistance (formerly PTACs)