Contracting and Procurement

Many Fairfax County firms, especially in the information technology and defense-related sectors, receive government contracts to procure goods or perform services. The federal government spends more than $500 billion a year in private sector procurement. Spending by state and local governments pushes that figure even higher.

Federal government contracts with Fairfax County companies reached $24.3 billion ($16.2 billion in defense agency work, $8.1 billion in civilian agency work) in fiscal year 2010, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, Consolidated Federal Funds Report. That's the highest amount for companies in any locality in the U.S., and it is 41 percent of the federal contracting dollars awarded in Virginia. Also, it is up from $22.6 billion ($15.1 billion in defense agency work, $7.5 billion in civilian agency work) in fiscal 2009.

Twenty-six companies on Washington Technology magazine’s 2011 list of the 100 largest government contractors in the nation are based in Fairfax County or have U.S. headquarters here. Another 42 based elsewhere also have operations in the county. 

Opportunities abound in an array of markets including defense and homeland security; environmental services and products; information technology (IT) and telecom products, services and solutions; laboratory and scientific products and services; law enforcement, fire safety and security; and medical services and products.

Recent Contract Wins for Fairfax County Companies

• CSC won a $200 million contract renewal with the Educational Testing Service to continue providing cloud and data management services. Washington Business Journal.
   
• General Dynamics Information Technology won an $86 million contract with the Defense Intelligence Agency to provide information assurance and cyber security services. Yahoo! Finance.
   
• ICF International won a $70 million contract from the Department of Health and Human Services to promote better health in at-risk communities. Washington Business Journal.
   
• Harris Corporation won a $66 million contract from the U.S. Army to modernize tactical communications. GovConWire.
   
• BAE Systems won a $24 million contract from the Defense Logistics Agency to install advanced radar warning receivers in aircrafts. GovConWire.

   

• Top federal contractors located in Fairfax County
• Federal Procurement fact sheet
• Federal Procurement for Minority-and Women-owned Businesses fact sheet
• Learn more about doing business with government agencies at the FCEDA's Procurement Academy

   

Federal Government Resources

• FedBizOpps (Federal Business Opportunities)

Federal Department Links

State Government Resources

• eVA

Local Government Resources

• Fairfax County Purchasing
• Fairfax County Economic Development Authority
• Fairfax County Public Schools

Contracting News - Media Outlets

• FedBizDaily (Washington Business Journal)
• GovConWire
• Washington Technology

American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

Companies in Fairfax County will have the opportunity to compete for projects being done as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 – the stimulus bill. The goal of the stimulus package is to create or retain 3.5 million jobs nationally by 2011. Projects are centered in five main areas: infrastructure (transportation and environment), energy efficiency, education, health and human services, and housing.

For updated information visit these ARRA-related Web sites:

• U.S. federal government: www.recovery.gov
• Commonwealth of Virginia: www.stimulus.virginia.gov
• Fairfax County: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/recovery

Fairfax County EDA Procurement Academy

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority’s Procurement Academy is a series of comprehensive workshops focused on various aspects of the procurement process, from start to finish. The workshops emphasize practical strategies for success and provide the essential elements you need to function effectively in today’s procurement arena. Each workshop focuses on a different topic. For more information visit the Procurement Academy page.

• Click here to access the Federal Procurement Fact Sheet.
• Click here to access the Federal Procurement for Minority-and-Woman-owned Firms Fact Sheet.

8(a) Business Development Program

This program provides small and disadvantaged businesses with technical and management assistance as well as access to the federal procurement market through sole-source, limited competition contracts and special procurement set-asides. All 8(a) firms must be unconditionally owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged individuals who are of good character and U.S. citizens. The 8(a) Program Web Site provides more detailed information on 8(a) program eligibility criteria, the application process, other resources and contact information.

For more information on the FCEDA's 8(a) assistance, visit the Services page for small, minority, and woman-owned firms.