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Federal Agencies

Plain-language definitions of every Federal Agencies term that shows up in government contracting work.


Federal AgenciesDFAS

Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS)

DFAS is the DoD agency responsible for paying military and civilian personnel, settling contractor invoices, and maintaining financial systems across all defense components.

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Federal AgenciesDOE

Department of Energy (DOE)

The U.S. cabinet agency responsible for energy policy, nuclear weapons programs, and scientific research, all major sources of federal contracts.

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Federal AgenciesHHS

Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

HHS is the largest civilian agency by budget and a major federal contractor, spending approximately $25-30 billion annually on research, healthcare IT, public health, and social services contracts through agencies like NIH, CDC, FDA, and CMS.

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Federal AgenciesDHS

Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

DHS is the third-largest federal procurement agency, spending approximately $20-25 billion annually on IT, border security, cybersecurity, transportation security, and emergency management contracts.

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Federal AgenciesDOJ

Department of Justice (DOJ)

The Department of Justice enforces federal law and administers justice, spending approximately $5-8 billion annually on contracts for IT systems, correctional facilities management, law enforcement support, and professional services.

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Federal Agencies

Department of State

The U.S. cabinet agency responsible for foreign policy and diplomacy, awarding contracts for diplomatic facilities, security, and development programs.

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Federal AgenciesVA

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The VA is the second-largest federal agency by budget, spending over $30 billion annually on contracts for healthcare services, medical supplies, IT systems, construction, and professional services to support the nation's veteran population.

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Federal AgenciesNASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

NASA is a major federal research and development agency that spends approximately $20-25 billion annually on contracts for space systems, launch services, aeronautics research, IT, and engineering support services.

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Federal AgenciesNARA

National Archives and Records Administration (NARA)

NARA is the independent federal agency responsible for preserving and providing access to US government records and archives, contracting for digitization, IT modernization, and records management services.

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Federal AgenciesNOAA

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

NOAA is the Department of Commerce agency responsible for weather forecasting, ocean and atmospheric research, fisheries management, and satellite operations, issuing billions in annual contracts.

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Federal AgenciesOMB

Office of Management and Budget (OMB)

The White House office that oversees federal budget, procurement policy, and regulatory affairs through OFPP and A-11 guidance.

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Federal AgenciesSEC

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

The SEC is the federal financial regulatory agency that enforces securities laws and procures IT, data analytics, legal, and professional services contracts to support its oversight mission.

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Federal AgenciesUSCG

U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)

The US Coast Guard is the DHS maritime law enforcement and military service that contracts extensively for vessel construction, aviation support, C4ISR systems, and port security services.

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Federal AgenciesUSPS

U.S. Postal Service (USPS)

USPS is an independent federal establishment and major government contractor customer procuring transportation, technology, facilities, and supplies under its own procurement regulations distinct from the FAR.

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