Aircraft Manufacturing
Size Standard: 1,500 employees
NAICS code 336411 covers establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing or assembling complete aircraft. This includes manufacturing fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and other aeronautical vehicles including unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones).
This is among the largest NAICS codes by contract value in federal procurement. The Department of Defense acquires aircraft through major programs worth billions of dollars annually. Air Force, Navy, and Army each have substantial aircraft acquisition programs ranging from fighter jets to transport aircraft to helicopters.
Major aircraft programs include the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, KC-46 tanker, B-21 bomber, CH-53K helicopter, and numerous other platforms. Unmanned aerial systems (UAS/drones) represent a rapidly growing segment with programs from small tactical drones to large reconnaissance platforms.
Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and other agencies also acquire aircraft for their missions. NASA procures research aircraft and supports aeronautics development.
This market is dominated by large aerospace primes (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Raytheon, L3Harris). Small businesses participate primarily through the extensive aerospace supply chain, manufacturing components, assemblies, and specialized parts. SBIR/STTR programs fund development of innovative aerospace technologies by small businesses.
- U.S. Air Force (USAF)
- U.S. Navy (USN)
- U.S. Army
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA)
- NASA
- Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Development
- Aircraft Assembly and Integration
- Prototype Aircraft Manufacturing
- Aircraft Modification Programs
- Research Aircraft Development
These certifications can help you compete for set-aside contracts under NAICS 336411:
What is included in NAICS 336411?
This code covers manufacturing of complete aircraft including fixed-wing airplanes, helicopters, tiltrotor aircraft, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones). It includes both military and civilian aircraft manufacturing.
What is the size standard for NAICS 336411?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 336411 is 1,500 employees, the highest in aerospace manufacturing. This reflects the massive capital and capability requirements for complete aircraft production.
How can small businesses participate in aircraft programs?
Small businesses primarily participate through the supply chain as tier 2/3 suppliers manufacturing components, assemblies, and specialized parts. SBIR/STTR programs fund technology development. Some small businesses build smaller UAV platforms.
What certifications are required?
AS9100 quality management certification is virtually required for aerospace. ITAR registration is mandatory for defense aircraft. CMMC certification is increasingly required. Facility and personnel security clearances are typically needed.
What are major current aircraft programs?
Major programs include F-35 (Lockheed Martin), KC-46 tanker (Boeing), B-21 bomber (Northrop Grumman), CH-53K (Sikorsky), and numerous UAS programs. Each program has extensive supplier requirements.
Businesses below this threshold in average annual receipts qualify as small businesses for set-aside contracts.
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