Defense & Government Contracting Glossary
A reference guide for the terms, acronyms, and concepts that define the defense and government technology landscape. Whether you are entering the market for the first time or deepening your expertise, this glossary covers the vocabulary you need.
A
8(a) Business Development Program A Small Business Administration (SBA) program designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. Participating firms receive access to sole-source contracts, mentorship, and federal procurement set-asides for a nine-year period. For defense technology companies owned by service-disabled veterans or members of underrepresented groups, the 8(a) program can provide a critical early pathway to DoD revenue.
AFWERX The Air Force’s innovation arm, responsible for connecting startups and small businesses with Air Force operational needs. AFWERX administers SBIR/STTR awards, challenge competitions, and technology accelerators. It has become one of the most active defense organizations in funding dual-use technology companies, with thousands of contracts awarded since its founding in 2017.
ATO (Authority to Operate) A formal authorization granted by a designated authority (typically an Authorizing Official) that permits an information system to operate within a defined environment. Obtaining an ATO requires completing a comprehensive security assessment based on NIST Risk Management Framework controls. For software companies selling to the DoD, the ATO process can take six to eighteen months and is often the longest phase of the sales cycle.
B
BAA (Broad Agency Announcement) A competitive solicitation used by federal agencies to fund basic and applied research proposals. Unlike traditional RFPs, BAAs allow agencies to evaluate a wide range of innovative approaches to broadly defined problems. Defense research organizations such as DARPA, the Army Research Lab, and the Office of Naval Research use BAAs extensively to source cutting-edge technology.
BARDA (Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority) A division within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services responsible for developing medical countermeasures against chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) threats. BARDA funds both commercial and government research and frequently partners with DoD on dual-use biodefense initiatives. Companies working at the intersection of defense and health security often encounter BARDA as a complementary funding source.
C
C3PAO (CMMC Third-Party Assessment Organization) An organization authorized by the CMMC Accreditation Body (the Cyber AB) to conduct official CMMC assessments of defense contractors. C3PAOs employ certified assessors who evaluate a company’s cybersecurity practices against CMMC requirements. Selecting and scheduling a C3PAO assessment is a prerequisite for contractors seeking CMMC Level 2 certification, which is required for handling Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
CAGE Code (Commercial and Government Entity Code) A five-character alphanumeric identifier assigned by the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) to entities conducting business with the federal government. Every company that wants to bid on defense contracts or receive government payments must have a CAGE Code. Registration is free and can be obtained through SAM.gov, though international entities receive NATO CAGE Codes (NCAGEs) through their national codification bureaus.
CDAO (Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office) The principal office within the DoD responsible for accelerating the adoption of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence across the Department. Established in 2022, the CDAO consolidated the functions of the former Joint Artificial Intelligence Center (JAIC) and the Defense Digital Service. The CDAO sets AI policy, manages the Joint All-Domain Command and Control (JADC2) data infrastructure, and oversees responsible AI implementation across military services.
CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification) A DoD cybersecurity framework that requires defense contractors to meet specific cybersecurity standards as a condition of contract award. CMMC has three levels: Level 1 (Foundational) covers basic cyber hygiene with 17 practices; Level 2 (Advanced) aligns with NIST SP 800-171 and its 110 security requirements; Level 3 (Expert) adds requirements from NIST SP 800-172. CMMC compliance became a contractual requirement through the DFARS 48 CFR 252.204-7021 interim rule, with phased implementation beginning in 2025.
ConMon (Continuous Monitoring) The ongoing process of maintaining security authorization by continuously assessing the security posture of an information system. In the context of FedRAMP and DoD cloud authorizations, ConMon requires monthly vulnerability scans, annual penetration testing, and regular reporting to the authorizing agency. For cloud service providers, robust ConMon processes are essential for maintaining an existing ATO and avoiding revocation.
COR (Contracting Officer’s Representative) A government employee designated by the Contracting Officer to monitor contractor performance on a specific contract. The COR serves as the primary day-to-day point of contact between the government and the contractor, tracking deliverables, approving invoices, and documenting performance. Understanding the COR’s role and maintaining a strong working relationship with them is critical to earning favorable past performance evaluations.
CONUS (Continental United States) A geographic designation referring to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, excluding Alaska and Hawaii. CONUS is used in defense contracting to define where work will be performed, which affects pricing, security requirements, and personnel clearance needs. Contracts that require work outside the continental United States (OCONUS) typically carry additional cost considerations and logistics complexity.
CSO (Commercial Solutions Opening) A competitive procurement mechanism that allows DoD organizations to acquire innovative commercial products and services using streamlined procedures. CSOs are similar to BAAs but specifically target commercially available solutions rather than research proposals. They are increasingly used by commands seeking rapid acquisition of mature technology without navigating the full FAR-based procurement process.
CUI (Controlled Unclassified Information) A category of unclassified government information that requires safeguarding or dissemination controls pursuant to law, regulation, or government-wide policy. CUI replaced a patchwork of agency-specific markings (such as FOUO, SBU, and LES) with a single, standardized system. Defense contractors who handle CUI must implement NIST SP 800-171 security controls and will be required to achieve CMMC Level 2 certification.
CUI Registry The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) maintained repository that defines all approved CUI categories, subcategories, and their associated marking and handling requirements. The Registry is the authoritative source for determining whether specific information qualifies as CUI and what protections apply. Contractors should consult the Registry when establishing their CUI handling procedures and when interpreting contract data rights clauses.
D
DCSA (Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency) The federal agency responsible for conducting background investigations, managing facility clearances, and providing security education to the defense industrial base. DCSA processes personnel security clearances (Secret, Top Secret, TS/SCI) and grants Facility Clearance (FCL) to companies that need access to classified information. Any contractor pursuing classified work must engage with DCSA’s industrial security program.
DFARS (Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement) The set of regulations that supplements the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) with requirements specific to DoD procurement. DFARS clauses address topics including cybersecurity (DFARS 252.204-7012), specialty metals, and subcontracting with small businesses. Contractors working on DoD contracts must comply with applicable DFARS clauses in addition to the base FAR requirements.
DIB (Defense Industrial Base) The collective group of companies, research institutions, and government entities that design, produce, deliver, and maintain military weapons systems, subsystems, components, and services. The DIB encompasses prime contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers at every tier. The health and resilience of the DIB is a national security priority, and its consolidation over the past three decades is a major concern for defense policymakers.
DIU (Defense Innovation Unit) A DoD organization established to accelerate the adoption of commercial technology across the military. DIU operates offices in Silicon Valley, Boston, Austin, and the Pentagon, using Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) to engage nontraditional defense companies. DIU focuses on areas including autonomy, AI, cyber, energy, human systems, and space.
DPAS (Defense Priorities and Allocations System) A system administered by the Department of Commerce that ensures timely delivery of industrial resources to meet national defense requirements. DPAS ratings (DX and DO) on contracts require suppliers to prioritize those orders over unrated commercial work. Companies in the defense supply chain should understand DPAS obligations, as failure to comply with rated orders can result in significant penalties.
DUNS/UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) The standardized identifier used by the federal government to track entities doing business with federal agencies. The government transitioned from the Dun & Bradstreet DUNS Number to the SAM.gov-generated UEI in April 2022. Every company seeking federal contracts, grants, or subawards must have an active UEI, which is obtained during SAM.gov registration.
E
EAR (Export Administration Regulations) A set of regulations administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) within the Department of Commerce that govern the export and re-export of commercial and dual-use items. Items controlled under the EAR are listed on the Commerce Control List (CCL) and require export licenses depending on the item, destination, and end user. Companies developing dual-use technology must understand whether their products fall under EAR or ITAR controls, as the compliance regimes differ significantly.
EO (Executive Order) A directive issued by the President that manages operations of the federal government and carries the force of law. Executive Orders relevant to the defense industrial base have addressed topics including cybersecurity (EO 14028), AI safety (EO 14110), and Buy American requirements. Defense contractors should monitor EOs closely, as they can rapidly change procurement requirements and compliance obligations.
F
FAR (Federal Acquisition Regulation) The primary set of rules governing the federal government’s acquisition of goods and services. The FAR establishes uniform policies and procedures for all executive agencies, covering everything from contract types and competition requirements to cost principles and dispute resolution. Mastering the FAR is foundational for any company pursuing government contracts, and the DoD supplements it with DFARS.
FCL (Facility Clearance) A determination by DCSA that a contractor’s facility meets security requirements for access to classified information at a specified level (Confidential, Secret, or Top Secret). Obtaining an FCL requires sponsorship by a government agency or prime contractor, completion of a security vulnerability assessment, and appointment of a Facility Security Officer (FSO). The FCL process can take 6 to 18 months and is a prerequisite for performing classified work.
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) A government-wide program that provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. FedRAMP authorization (at Low, Moderate, or High impact levels) is required for cloud service providers seeking to serve federal customers. DoD has its own authorization process (DoD IL2 through IL6) that builds on FedRAMP baselines and adds additional controls.
FOCI (Foreign Ownership, Control, or Influence) A security determination made by DCSA when a company seeking a Facility Clearance has foreign ownership, control, or influence that could compromise classified information. FOCI mitigation measures range from board resolutions and voting trust agreements to Special Security Agreements (SSAs) and proxy boards. Companies with foreign investors, foreign board members, or significant foreign revenue must address FOCI considerations before obtaining or maintaining an FCL.
FPDS-NG (Federal Procurement Data System - Next Generation) The central repository of federal contracting data, maintained by the General Services Administration. FPDS-NG captures detailed information on every contract action above the micro-purchase threshold, including contract value, awardee, competition type, and set-aside status. Market intelligence teams use FPDS-NG data to analyze agency spending patterns, identify competitors, and size addressable markets.
G
GAO (Government Accountability Office) An independent, nonpartisan agency that serves as the investigative arm of Congress, auditing federal programs and adjudicating bid protests. GAO bid protest decisions set important precedents for procurement law and can result in corrective actions, re-competitions, or contract terminations. Companies that believe a contract award violated procurement regulations can file a GAO protest within specified timeframes.
GFE/GFP (Government-Furnished Equipment / Government-Furnished Property) Equipment or property provided by the government to a contractor for use in performing a contract. GFE/GFP can include anything from test facilities and computing infrastructure to raw materials and components. Contractors receiving GFE/GFP must maintain accountability for the items, protect them from loss or damage, and return them at contract completion.
GovSeek US Defense Group’s AI-powered contracting intelligence platform, designed to help defense and government technology companies identify, evaluate, and pursue federal contract opportunities. GovSeek aggregates and analyzes data from SAM.gov, FPDS-NG, and other federal procurement databases to surface relevant opportunities and competitive intelligence. The platform reduces the time and expertise required to navigate the complex federal procurement landscape.
GSA Schedule / MAS (Multiple Award Schedule) A long-term government-wide contract managed by the General Services Administration that provides federal, state, and local agencies with a streamlined process for purchasing commercial products and services at pre-negotiated prices. Holding a GSA Schedule (now consolidated under the MAS program) gives companies access to the largest single marketplace in federal procurement. The application process includes a review of pricing, past performance, and technical capabilities, and schedule holders must comply with ongoing requirements including price reductions and sales reporting.
H
HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) An SBA program that provides contracting preferences to small businesses located in designated economically distressed areas. HUBZone-certified firms receive a 10% price evaluation preference in full-and-open competitions and access to HUBZone set-aside and sole-source contracts. For defense technology companies, locating operations in a HUBZone can provide meaningful competitive advantages in federal procurement.
I
IDIQ (Indefinite Delivery / Indefinite Quantity) A contract type that provides for an indefinite quantity of goods or services within stated limits during a fixed period, with deliveries scheduled by individual task or delivery orders. IDIQ contracts are widely used in defense procurement because they allow agencies to order flexibly while maintaining competitive pricing. Winning a position on a large IDIQ vehicle (such as SEWP, OASIS, or Alliant) is often the most efficient path to sustained government revenue.
IOC (Initial Operational Capability) The milestone at which a system or unit achieves the ability to perform its assigned missions, even if not at full performance capacity. IOC marks the point at which a weapon system or technology can be employed operationally, typically after developmental and operational testing. For defense technology companies, understanding where a program sits relative to IOC helps gauge the urgency of procurement timelines and the type of support the customer needs.
ITAR (International Traffic in Arms Regulations) A set of regulations administered by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC) within the Department of State that govern the export and temporary import of defense articles and services listed on the U.S. Munitions List (USML). ITAR compliance is mandatory for any company that manufactures, exports, or brokers defense articles, and requires registration with DDTC. Violations can result in civil penalties up to $500,000 per violation and criminal penalties including imprisonment.
J
J&A (Justification and Approval) A formal document required when a federal agency plans to award a contract without full and open competition. The J&A must cite one of the seven statutory exceptions under FAR Part 6, describe the rationale, and be approved at a level commensurate with the contract value. Understanding J&A requirements helps contractors recognize when sole-source opportunities are viable and how to position their unique capabilities.
JWICS (Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System) A secure global network used by the DoD and Intelligence Community to transmit Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). JWICS operates at the Top Secret/SCI level and provides the infrastructure for classified video, email, and data sharing across defense and intelligence agencies. Companies developing solutions for intelligence customers must often demonstrate compatibility with JWICS environments.
L
LOE (Level of Effort) A contract type in which the government pays for a specified number of labor hours over a defined period, regardless of the output produced. LOE contracts are commonly used for advisory, support, and maintenance services where deliverables are difficult to define precisely. Contractors should understand that LOE contracts shift performance risk to the government, which makes them attractive for services but less common for product development.
LPTA (Lowest Price Technically Acceptable) A source selection method in which the government awards a contract to the lowest-priced offeror whose proposal meets the minimum technical requirements. LPTA evaluations do not consider technical superiority beyond the acceptability threshold, which means price becomes the decisive factor. This approach is most common for commodity-type procurements and is less frequently used for complex technology acquisitions, where best-value tradeoff evaluations are preferred.
M
MAS (Multiple Award Schedule) See GSA Schedule / MAS above. The MAS is the consolidated contract vehicle through which the General Services Administration offers commercial products and services to federal buyers. The consolidation merged all 24 legacy GSA Schedules into a single, streamlined contract.
MILSATCOM (Military Satellite Communications) The constellation of satellite systems and ground infrastructure that provides secure, survivable communications to military forces worldwide. MILSATCOM encompasses programs such as the Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) system, Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS), and the Protected Tactical Enterprise Service (PTES). Companies working in space defense, communications, or networking should understand MILSATCOM architecture, as it drives significant procurement in terminals, modems, encryption devices, and ground segment systems.
N
NAICS (North American Industry Classification System) The standard classification system used by federal agencies to categorize businesses by industry for the purpose of collecting and analyzing economic data. Each NAICS code carries an associated small business size standard (based on revenue or employee count) that determines whether a company qualifies as small for set-aside contracts in that industry. Selecting the right NAICS codes and understanding the corresponding size standards is essential for defense technology companies pursuing small business set-asides.
NCMA (National Contract Management Association) The leading professional association for contract management professionals in both the public and private sectors. NCMA offers certifications (CPCM, CFCM, CCCM), training programs, and conferences focused on federal acquisition. For defense contractors, NCMA membership provides networking opportunities with government contracting officers and access to procurement best practices.
NIST SP 800-171 A publication by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that specifies 110 security requirements for protecting Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) in nonfederal systems and organizations. Compliance with NIST SP 800-171 is required by DFARS 252.204-7012 for all defense contractors handling CUI. NIST SP 800-171 forms the foundation of CMMC Level 2 requirements and covers 14 families of security controls, from access control and audit to system integrity.
NSSL (National Security Space Launch) The program through which the U.S. Space Force procures launch services for its most critical national security payloads. NSSL Phase 2 contracts were awarded to United Launch Alliance and SpaceX, with Phase 3 introducing a Lane 1 category for smaller or more risk-tolerant missions. Companies in the space launch supply chain should track NSSL procurement, as it drives demand for launch vehicles, upper stages, propulsion, and mission integration services.
O
OCONUS (Outside the Continental United States) A geographic designation referring to locations outside the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, including Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. territories, and foreign countries. OCONUS contract performance typically involves additional costs for travel, logistics, hazard pay, and security. Contractors should carefully evaluate OCONUS requirements in solicitations, as they significantly affect pricing, personnel availability, and compliance obligations.
OPSEC (Operations Security) A systematic process for identifying, controlling, and protecting critical information that could be exploited by adversaries. In defense contracting, OPSEC applies to protecting sensitive program details, personnel information, and operational plans from compromise. Contractors working on sensitive programs are typically required to implement OPSEC plans and train employees on OPSEC principles.
OTA (Other Transaction Authority) A contracting mechanism that allows DoD organizations to engage with companies outside the traditional FAR-based procurement process. OTAs are used for prototype projects, production follow-ons, and research, and they offer significant flexibility in contract terms, intellectual property rights, and cost accounting requirements. OTAs have become a primary vehicle for engaging nontraditional defense companies and have grown from approximately $3 billion in FY2016 to over $40 billion in annual obligations.
P
Past Performance A contractor’s record of performance on prior contracts, evaluated as part of source selection for new government awards. Past performance is typically assessed on dimensions including quality, schedule, cost control, management, and customer satisfaction. Building a strong past performance record is one of the most important strategic investments a defense technology company can make, as it is often a discriminating factor in best-value evaluations.
PEO (Program Executive Officer) A senior military or civilian official responsible for managing a portfolio of acquisition programs within a military service. PEOs have authority over cost, schedule, and performance for their assigned programs and report to the service acquisition executive. Understanding which PEO manages a target program helps contractors identify key decision-makers and align their engagement strategy with the right acquisition chain.
PIV (Personal Identity Verification) A federal identity credential standard defined by FIPS 201, implemented through smart card technology. PIV cards are used for physical access to government facilities and logical access to government information systems. Contractors working on-site at government facilities or accessing government networks are typically required to obtain PIV credentials, which involves a background investigation and enrollment process.
POA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones) A document that identifies known security weaknesses in an information system and describes the specific tasks, resources, and timeline for remediating them. POA&Ms are a core component of the Risk Management Framework and are required for maintaining an ATO. For defense technology companies, maintaining and closing POA&M items demonstrates security maturity and is closely monitored by government assessors.
PPM (Private Placement Memorandum) A legal document provided to prospective investors when raising capital through a private securities offering. In the defense sector, PPMs are used by emerging defense companies and defense-focused funds to raise growth capital outside of public markets. The PPM discloses investment terms, risk factors, management backgrounds, and use of proceeds, and is governed by SEC regulations.
R
RFI (Request for Information) A pre-solicitation document issued by a government agency to gather market intelligence and inform acquisition planning. RFIs are not binding, do not commit the government to a procurement, and cannot result in a contract award. Responding to RFIs is strategically valuable because it allows companies to shape requirements before a formal solicitation is released.
RFP (Request for Proposal) A formal solicitation issued by a government agency inviting contractors to submit detailed technical and cost proposals for a specific requirement. RFPs define the evaluation criteria, contract type, and submission requirements, and responses are evaluated competitively. Winning an RFP typically requires a combination of technical excellence, competitive pricing, relevant past performance, and compliance with all solicitation instructions.
RFQ (Request for Quotation) A solicitation method used to obtain price quotes for commercial or standard items where technical evaluation is minimal. RFQs are simpler than RFPs and are typically used for commodity purchases or orders under existing contract vehicles. Award is generally made to the lowest-priced responsive quotation that meets the stated requirements.
RPP (Resilient Procurement Platform) An initiative or platform focused on strengthening supply chain resilience within the defense industrial base. RPP efforts address the vulnerability of defense supply chains to single points of failure, foreign dependencies, and production bottlenecks. The DoD has increasingly emphasized supply chain resilience in procurement strategy, creating opportunities for companies that can demonstrate redundant sourcing and domestic manufacturing capabilities.
S
SAM.gov (System for Award Management) The official government-wide registration database for entities seeking to do business with the federal government. SAM.gov registration is mandatory for receiving federal contracts, grants, and intergovernmental transactions, and must be renewed annually. The system also hosts active contract opportunities (formerly posted on FBO/beta.SAM), wage determinations, and exclusion records.
SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) A competitive federal program that awards contracts to small businesses for research and development with commercial and government applications. SBIR operates in three phases: Phase I (feasibility, typically $50K-$250K), Phase II (development, typically $500K-$1.5M), and Phase III (commercialization, funded from agency operational budgets with no dollar ceiling). The DoD is the largest SBIR funding agency, and successfully transitioning from Phase II to Phase III is the primary measure of program impact.
SCIF (Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility) A physically secured room or building that meets standards for storing, processing, and discussing Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). SCIFs must meet Intelligence Community Directive (ICD) 705 construction and accreditation standards, including requirements for sound attenuation, physical barriers, and intrusion detection. Companies pursuing intelligence community or Top Secret/SCI work often need to build or lease accredited SCIF space, which represents a significant capital investment.
SDVOSB (Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business) A small business ownership category that provides contracting preferences for firms owned and controlled by service-disabled veterans. SDVOSBs receive access to sole-source contracts (up to $5 million for services, $7 million for manufacturing) and set-aside competitions. The federal government has a statutory goal of awarding at least 3% of all federal contracting dollars to SDVOSBs.
SF-86 (Standard Form 86) The detailed questionnaire used to initiate a background investigation for a personnel security clearance. The SF-86 requires disclosure of personal history including residences, employment, education, foreign contacts, financial records, and legal history for the preceding 7 to 10 years. Completing the SF-86 accurately and thoroughly is essential, as omissions or discrepancies are the leading cause of clearance processing delays.
SIPRNet (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network) The DoD’s classified network for transmitting information up to the Secret level. SIPRNet provides secure email, web browsing, and data transfer capabilities for military and cleared contractor personnel. Companies performing classified work at the Secret level must connect to SIPRNet through approved methods and maintain the corresponding security controls.
SPRS (Supplier Performance Risk System) A DoD web-enabled application that collects and displays contractor performance and risk information. SPRS is where defense contractors submit their NIST SP 800-171 self-assessment scores, which are required by DFARS 252.204-7020. A current SPRS score is now a prerequisite for DoD contract award on contracts that involve CUI, making it an essential compliance milestone.
STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) A federal program similar to SBIR that requires small businesses to partner with a nonprofit research institution (such as a university or federal lab) on R&D projects. The STTR program fosters technology transfer from research institutions to the commercial sector, with the small business performing at least 40% of the work and the research partner performing at least 30%. STTR provides a valuable pathway for defense companies to access academic research capabilities and intellectual property.
T
T&E (Test and Evaluation) The process of assessing a defense system’s performance, effectiveness, survivability, and suitability through developmental testing (DT) and operational testing (OT). T&E is governed by the Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) and is a mandatory milestone before systems can proceed to full-rate production. Companies building defense products must plan for T&E requirements early, as they directly affect development timelines, budgets, and design decisions.
TAA (Trade Agreements Act) A federal law that requires products purchased by the U.S. government to be manufactured or substantially transformed in the United States or in designated countries that have trade agreements with the U.S. TAA compliance is required for purchases under GSA Schedules and most federal contracts. Companies must verify the country of origin for their products and components, as TAA violations can result in contract termination and False Claims Act liability.
TRL (Technology Readiness Level) A measurement system used to assess the maturity of a technology on a scale from 1 (basic principles observed) to 9 (system proven in operational environment). TRLs are used across the DoD to communicate the development status of technologies and to make funding decisions about transitioning from research to production. Defense investors and acquisition professionals use TRL assessments to evaluate technical risk and determine appropriate contract vehicles.
U
UEI (Unique Entity Identifier) See DUNS/UEI above. The UEI is the government-issued identifier that replaced the DUNS Number for federal procurement purposes. All entities registered in SAM.gov receive a UEI automatically.
USSF (United States Space Force) The newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established in December 2019 as an independent service within the Department of the Air Force. The USSF is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces to protect U.S. and allied interests in space. Space Force procurement, managed through the Space Systems Command (SSC) and the Space Rapid Capabilities Office (SpRCO), represents a growing market for companies in satellite communications, space domain awareness, launch services, and ground systems.