January 2026 Hit List

34 Low-Competition Contracts Based on FY2026 NDAA & Unobligated Balances

$82.8B+ Unobligated | FY2026 NDAA (S.2296) Just Signed

FY2026 NDAA Signed December 18, 2025

$848 Billion authorized for DoD. Q1 obligation push is ON. Agencies must spend fast to meet goals. These 34 opportunities are based on NDAA-funded programs with the highest unobligated balances.

Why January 2026 Is Critical

FY2026 NDAA just signed. Agencies now have full-year authorization and are racing to obligate Q1 funds before Q2 starts.

$82.8B+ in unobligated balances across Top 10 defense agencies. Primes need small business subs to meet 23% goals.

CMMC 2.0 deadline approaching. Cyber and compliance contracts are HOT right now. Get in before the rush.

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DoD Cyber Command - Zero Trust Implementation Phase 2
$50M-$150M
Agency: Cyber Command
NAICS: 541512
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 24, 2026
Low Competition Q1 Priority SB Set-Aside NDAA Funded

What: Zero Trust architecture implementation across DoD networks. Multi-year contract with $3.5B unobligated balance in Cyber Command. NDAA mandates Zero Trust by 2027.

Why Low Competition: Requires CMMC Level 2+, FedRAMP authorization, and specific Zero Trust certifications. Limited pool of qualified small businesses.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Booz Allen Hamilton, Leidos, CACI (wayne.pizer@caci.com), SAIC

Action: Contact CACI SBLO Wayne Pizer immediately - they're building teams for Q1 task orders.

Army - Ground Vehicle Modernization Support
$30M-$85M
Agency: Army Procurement
NAICS: 336992, 541330
Set-Aside: 8(a) / SDVOSB
Deadline: Jan 22, 2026
Low Competition 8(a) Set-Aside NDAA Sec. 326

What: Stryker/Bradley vehicle upgrades, maintenance, and logistics. Part of $10B Army unobligated. NDAA Sec. 326 prohibits closure of Army Organic Industrial Base.

Why Low Competition: 8(a) and SDVOSB set-asides. Specialized ground vehicle expertise required. Secret clearance needed.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: BAE Systems (Dawn.Dunlop@baesystems.com, 703-873-3895), General Dynamics

Action: Contact BAE Systems SBLO Dawn Dunlop - they're actively seeking subs for vehicle programs.

Navy - Submarine Industrial Base Expansion
$40M-$120M
Agency: Navy Shipbuilding
NAICS: 336611, 332312
Set-Aside: HUBZone / WOSB
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Low Competition HUBZone Set-Aside NDAA Funded

What: Submarine component manufacturing, repair services, and supplier development. $8B Navy unobligated. 355-ship Navy goal in NDAA.

Why Low Competition: HUBZone and WOSB set-asides. Specialized maritime/subsea welding certs required. Limited qualified pool.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Huntington Ingalls, General Dynamics Electric Boat, Lockheed Martin

Action: Navy is DESPERATE for submarine suppliers. Contact HII and GDEB supplier portals immediately.

Air Force - JADC2 Integration Services
$25M-$75M
Agency: Air Force RDT&E
NAICS: 541511, 541512
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 25, 2026
Low Competition Q1 Priority NDAA Priority

What: Joint All-Domain Command & Control integration, data fusion, and network development. Part of $7B Air Force RDT&E unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Requires TS/SCI clearance + specialized C2 systems experience. SBIR/STTR eligible.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Boeing (tina.t.wang@boeing.com), Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman

Action: Contact Boeing SBLO Tina Wang - JADC2 is top priority and they need integration partners.

DLA - Critical Munitions Supply Chain
$20M-$60M
Agency: Defense Logistics Agency
NAICS: 332993, 493110
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 20, 2026
Low Competition Urgent Timeline SB Set-Aside

What: Munitions component supply, warehousing, and logistics services. $5B DLA unobligated. Ukraine support driving demand.

Why Low Competition: Specialized munitions experience required. ITAR compliance. DLA awards FAST - 45-day average.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Multiple munitions suppliers on FedMall

Action: Register on DIBBS and FedMall TODAY. DLA posts RFQs daily. Fastest path to federal contracts.

MDA - Hypersonic Defense Testing Services
$45M-$130M
Agency: Missile Defense Agency
NAICS: 541330, 334511
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Priority

What: Hypersonic weapon defense testing, sensor calibration, and engineering support. $4B MDA unobligated. NDAA fully funds hypersonic defense.

Why Low Competition: Specialized testing facilities + TS/SCI clearance required. Very limited qualified pool.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Raytheon (Valerie King, 508-490-2331), Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman

Action: Contact Raytheon SBLO Valerie King immediately - hypersonic is TOP priority for 2026.

Space Force - Commercial Space Integration
$30M-$90M
Agency: Space Force
NAICS: 517410, 336414
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 29, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside NDAA Sec. 9083

What: Commercial satellite integration, ground station ops, and launch support. $2.8B Space Force unobligated. NDAA Sec. 9083 expands Space Force.

Why Low Competition: New agency actively building small business base. SpaceWERX opportunities expanding. Limited space-qualified contractors.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing, SpaceX

Action: Check SpaceWERX portal weekly - they're posting new opportunities constantly.

DOE NNSA - Nuclear Modernization Support
$35M-$100M
Agency: DOE Atomic Energy Defense
NAICS: 562910, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: Nuclear weapons modernization support, facility upgrades, and environmental services. $2.5B DOE unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Q clearance required. Specialized nuclear facility experience. Environmental certifications.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Fluor (Kenyon.taylor@fluor.com), Amentum (SBLO@Amentum.com), Jacobs (Willie.franklin@jacobs.com)

Action: Contact all three prime SBLOs - NNSA sites are ramping up for modernization work.

Defense Health - MHS GENESIS Implementation
$20M-$55M
Agency: Defense Health Agency
NAICS: 541512, 621999
Set-Aside: WOSB / SDVOSB
Deadline: Jan 23, 2026
Low Competition WOSB Set-Aside

What: MHS GENESIS EHR rollout, telehealth integration, and medical IT services. $2B Defense Health unobligated.

Why Low Competition: WOSB and SDVOSB set-asides. Healthcare IT specialization + HIPAA compliance required.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Leidos (sbcomp@leidos.com), General Dynamics, Booz Allen Hamilton

Action: Healthcare IT is BOOMING - contact Leidos SBLO immediately for MHS GENESIS work.

Cyber Command - CMMC Assessment & Support
$15M-$45M
Agency: DoD-Wide
NAICS: 541512, 541519
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 21, 2026
Low Competition CMMC Deadline SB Set-Aside

What: CMMC 2.0 assessment preparation, gap analysis, and remediation services. DoD contractors MUST comply.

Why Low Competition: Certified CMMC assessors in short supply. C3PAO backlog creating demand. Very hot market.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: All major defense primes need CMMC support for their supply chains

Action: If you're CMMC-certified, contact EVERY prime contractor - they all need help with DIB compliance.

Army - Digital Transformation Services
$25M-$70M
Agency: Army
NAICS: 541512, 518210
Set-Aside: 8(a)
Deadline: Jan 24, 2026
Low Competition 8(a) Set-Aside

What: Cloud migration, enterprise IT modernization, and data analytics for Army commands. Part of $10B Army unobligated.

Why Low Competition: 8(a) set-aside significantly reduces competition. FedRAMP + Army IL5 authorization required.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: GDIT, Booz Allen, Leidos, Accenture Federal

Action: Army digital transformation is accelerating - contact IT primes for subcontracting.

Navy - Shipyard Modernization Support
$35M-$95M
Agency: Navy
NAICS: 236220, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Funded

What: SIOP (Shipyard Infrastructure Optimization Program) construction, engineering, and project management. $8B Navy unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Requires naval shipyard experience. Location-based (Norfolk, San Diego, Pearl Harbor, Puget Sound).

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Huntington Ingalls, Turner Construction, multiple A/E firms

Action: Navy shipyards are getting BILLIONS - contact NAVSEA for current opportunities.

Air Force - Next-Gen Fighter Support
$40M-$110M
Agency: Air Force
NAICS: 336411, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: NGAD program engineering support, testing, and manufacturing analysis. Part of $7B Air Force RDT&E unobligated.

Why Low Competition: TS/SCI + SAP access required. Advanced aerospace engineering experience. Very limited pool.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Boeing

Action: If you have aerospace TS/SCI, contact all three primes - NGAD needs specialized subs.

DLA - Medical Equipment & Supplies
$18M-$50M
Agency: Defense Logistics Agency
NAICS: 339112, 423450
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 19, 2026
Low Competition Urgent Timeline

What: Medical equipment, surgical supplies, and pharmaceuticals for military treatment facilities. $5B DLA unobligated.

Why Low Competition: FDA-approved products required. Medical distribution certifications. Established supplier relationships favored.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: McKesson, Cardinal Health, Medline

Action: DLA Troop Support posts medical opportunities daily - check their portal NOW.

Cyber Command - Offensive Cyber Tools Development
$30M-$85M
Agency: Cyber Command
NAICS: 541511, 541512
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 25, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Funded

What: Cyber tool development, vulnerability research, and offensive operations support. $3.5B Cyber Command unobligated.

Why Low Competition: TS/SCI + poly required. Specialized offensive cyber skills. Very limited cleared workforce.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Booz Allen, ManTech, CACI, NSA-cleared boutique firms

Action: If you have cleared cyber talent, you are in HIGH demand. Contact all major cyber primes.

Army - Autonomous Systems Testing
$22M-$65M
Agency: Army
NAICS: 541715, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 23, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: UGV/UAV testing, autonomy software development, and robotics integration. Part of $10B Army unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Specialized autonomy and robotics experience. Test range access required. Limited qualified pool.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: General Dynamics, BAE Systems, L3Harris

Action: Army Futures Command is pushing autonomous systems hard - contact AFC contracting.

Navy - Undersea Warfare Systems
$35M-$100M
Agency: Navy
NAICS: 334511, 336611
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Priority

What: Sonar systems, underwater sensors, and ASW equipment. $8B Navy unobligated. NDAA prioritizes undersea dominance.

Why Low Competition: Specialized underwater acoustics expertise. TS/SCI + SAP access for most programs.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Raytheon, L3Harris, General Dynamics

Action: Undersea warfare is TOP Navy priority - contact NAVSEA and major primes.

Air Force - Satellite Communications Modernization
$28M-$80M
Agency: Air Force / Space Force
NAICS: 517410, 334220
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 29, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: MILSATCOM terminal upgrades, Protected SATCOM, and ground segment modernization. Combined AF/SF unobligated ~$10B.

Why Low Competition: Specialized SATCOM expertise. COMSEC requirements. Limited qualified small businesses.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris, Viasat

Action: SATCOM modernization is accelerating - contact L3Harris and other SATCOM primes.

MDA - Ground-Based Midcourse Defense Support
$40M-$115M
Agency: Missile Defense Agency
NAICS: 336414, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Funded

What: GMD interceptor support, silo upgrades, and missile field engineering. $4B MDA unobligated. NDAA expands GMD.

Why Low Competition: Alaska/California location requirements. TS/SCI + SAP. Specialized missile defense experience.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon

Action: Contact Boeing Missile Defense SBLO - they need subs at Fort Greely and Vandenberg.

DLA - Fuel & Energy Services
$25M-$70M
Agency: Defense Logistics Agency
NAICS: 324110, 541614
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 20, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: Bulk fuel delivery, energy consulting, and renewable energy projects for military installations. $5B DLA unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Fuel distribution licenses required. Location-based contracts near military bases. Energy sector expertise.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Multiple energy services companies

Action: DLA Energy posts opportunities frequently - check their portal and register as supplier.

Space Force - Space Domain Awareness
$25M-$75M
Agency: Space Force
NAICS: 541715, 334511
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Sec. 9083

What: Space surveillance, debris tracking, and space catalog management. $2.8B Space Force unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Space situational awareness expertise rare. Requires telescopes/radar experience. TS/SCI for many roles.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, SAIC

Action: SpaceWERX has SDA opportunities posting - check weekly for new solicitations.

Defense Health - Medical Equipment Maintenance
$18M-$50M
Agency: Defense Health Agency
NAICS: 811219, 339112
Set-Aside: SDVOSB
Deadline: Jan 22, 2026
Low Competition SDVOSB Set-Aside

What: Biomedical equipment repair, calibration, and maintenance at MTFs. $2B Defense Health unobligated.

Why Low Competition: SDVOSB set-aside + specialized biomedical technician certifications. Hospital experience required.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Philips, GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthineers

Action: Contact medical equipment OEMs - they subcontract maintenance at military hospitals.

Army - Training & Simulation Systems
$28M-$80M
Agency: Army
NAICS: 541511, 334511
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 25, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: Virtual/augmented reality training, simulation software, and synthetic training environments. Part of $10B Army unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Specialized simulation/VR expertise. Gaming industry crossover valuable. Limited qualified pool.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: BAE Systems, CAE, L3Harris, Cubic

Action: Orlando is simulation hub - contact PEO STRI and training system primes.

Navy - Port Security Systems
$30M-$90M
Agency: Navy
NAICS: 561210, 541330
Set-Aside: HUBZone / 8(a)
Deadline: Jan 27, 2026
Low Competition HUBZone Set-Aside

What: Port security, access control, and force protection systems at Navy installations. $8B Navy unobligated.

Why Low Competition: HUBZone/8(a) set-asides + physical security specialization. Location-based near naval ports.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin

Action: Navy ports need upgraded security - contact CNIC and installation contracting offices.

Air Force - DevSecOps & Application Modernization
$32M-$90M
Agency: Air Force
NAICS: 541511, 541512
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 24, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: DevSecOps pipelines, legacy app modernization, and agile software development. Part of $7B Air Force RDT&E unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Platform One experience preferred. IL4/IL5 authorization. Agile/DevOps certifications.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Accenture Federal, GDIT, Booz Allen, CACI

Action: Air Force Platform One is driving DevSecOps - contact Kessel Run and Platform One offices.

DOE - Nuclear Facility Decommissioning
$30M-$85M
Agency: DOE
NAICS: 562910, 541620
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: Nuclear site cleanup, D&D (decontamination & decommissioning), and waste management. $2.5B DOE unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Nuclear decommissioning certifications. Q clearance. Specialized environmental remediation experience.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Amentum (SBLO@Amentum.com), Bechtel, Jacobs

Action: DOE has multiple cleanup sites - contact EM (Environmental Management) office.

MDA - Radar Systems Engineering
$35M-$95M
Agency: Missile Defense Agency
NAICS: 334511, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 29, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Funded

What: Radar engineering, signal processing, and tracking system development. $4B MDA unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Specialized radar/RF engineering. Phased array expertise. TS/SCI required.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman

Action: Contact Raytheon SBLO - they lead multiple MDA radar programs.

Cyber Command - Insider Threat Detection
$20M-$55M
Agency: DoD-Wide
NAICS: 541512, 541519
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 23, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: User behavior analytics, insider threat monitoring, and SIEM integration. $3.5B Cyber Command unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Cleared cybersecurity analysts needed. UBA/UEBA tool expertise. Counterintelligence background helpful.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: SAIC (Marguerite.brooks@saic.com), Booz Allen, Leidos

Action: Contact SAIC SBLO - insider threat programs expanding across DoD.

Army - Network Modernization (Unified Network)
$30M-$85M
Agency: Army
NAICS: 541512, 517311
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 26, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Funded

What: Unified Network implementation, tactical comms, and network transport. Part of $10B Army unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Army network architecture expertise. DISA/Army integration experience. Security clearance required.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: General Dynamics, L3Harris, GDIT

Action: Army Unified Network is MAJOR modernization priority - contact PEO C3T.

Navy - Aircraft Carrier Sustainment
$40M-$120M
Agency: Navy
NAICS: 336611, 488390
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 28, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: CVN maintenance, RCOH (Refueling Complex Overhaul) support, and carrier logistics. $8B Navy unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Newport News location required for most work. Specialized carrier systems knowledge. Security clearances.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Huntington Ingalls (Newport News), General Dynamics

Action: HII Newport News needs subs for USS Enterprise (CVN-80) and carrier maintenance.

DLA - Construction Materials & Supplies
$22M-$60M
Agency: Defense Logistics Agency
NAICS: 423310, 423390
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 21, 2026
Low Competition Urgent Timeline

What: Lumber, steel, hardware, and construction supplies for military construction projects. $5B DLA unobligated.

Why Low Competition: DLA Construction & Equipment awards FAST. Berry Amendment compliance required for some items.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Multiple construction materials suppliers

Action: Register on FedMall and GSA Advantage - DLA posts construction supply RFQs daily.

Space Force - Launch Operations Support
$28M-$80M
Agency: Space Force
NAICS: 336414, 541330
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 30, 2026
Low Competition NDAA Sec. 9083

What: Launch range operations, integration services, and mission support. $2.8B Space Force unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Florida/California location-based. Launch range experience. TS/SCI for most roles.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: ULA, SpaceX, Northrop Grumman

Action: Contact Space Launch Delta 45 (Patrick SFB) and SLD 30 (Vandenberg) contracting offices.

Defense Health - Clinical Research Support
$18M-$50M
Agency: Defense Health Agency
NAICS: 541714, 621511
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 24, 2026
Low Competition SB Set-Aside

What: Clinical trials support, medical research, and laboratory services. $2B Defense Health unobligated.

Why Low Competition: Clinical research expertise required. IRB/regulatory experience. CLIA-certified lab access.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: Multiple academic medical centers and research organizations

Action: CDMRP (Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs) posts research opportunities regularly.

DoD-Wide - AI/ML Implementation Services
$35M-$100M
Agency: DoD (Multiple)
NAICS: 541511, 541512
Set-Aside: Small Business
Deadline: Jan 31, 2026
Low Competition HOTTEST AREA NDAA Priority

What: AI/ML model development, data engineering, and responsible AI implementation. JAIC/CDAO initiatives across DoD.

Why Low Competition: AI/ML talent shortage. Requires cleared data scientists. Responsible AI expertise rare. SBIR/STTR eligible.

Key Primes Seeking Subs: ALL major defense primes need AI partners - Booz Allen, Leidos, GDIT, Palantir

Action: AI is the HOTTEST capability in defense. If you have cleared AI/ML talent, contact EVERY prime contractor NOW.

CRITICAL ACTION ITEMS FOR JANUARY 2026: