Civilian contracting companies oversee the progress and execution of projects across private and federal sectors. These enterprises demonstrate authority and expertise to ensure the successful and timely delivery of programs.
Get to know the outstanding civilian contracting companies in the U.S. Learn about their histories, notable projects, and impacts across various industries.
Note: The following list of civilian contracting companies is presented without a specific ranking. These selections are based on a variety of factors, including their global presence, reputation and credibility, and industry contributions.
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General Dynamics
General Dynamics is a prominent name among civilian contracting companies specializing in aerospace and defense. Between 1952 and the 1990s, it supplied U.S. military branches with nearly all of their weapons and electronic systems.
In the mid-1990s, the firm acquired Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation and several enterprises associated with IT and combat vehicles. Today, it distributes its products and services through its four business groups: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies.
In January 2024, General Dynamics secured a $335 million contract from the Navy for developing, modernizing, and sustaining submarine technology.
Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is among the biggest civilian contracting companies known for its contributions to aerospace and defense. It was formed in 1995 by merging two pioneering aviation companies—the Glenn L. Martin Company and the Alco Hydro-Aeroplane Company (later renamed the Lockheed Aircraft Company).
The firm’s legacy is rooted in its century-long belief that innovation, performance, and purpose are the keys to progress. True to this philosophy, it actively delivers cutting-edge solutions to address the evolving challenges that its clients face.
Lockheed Martin produces advanced aircraft, missile defense systems, and pioneering space exploration technologies. It is notable for manufacturing the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) System for the U.S. government and handling the fighter jet program for F-16, F-22, and F-35.
Boeing
Boeing is an aerospace manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space, and security systems. It is headquartered in Chicago with global offices and partnerships in over 65 countries.
The firm segregates its operations into three core business sector segments: Commercial Airplanes, Defense, Space & Security, and Global Services. As one of the largest civilian contracting companies, it serves a diverse customer base, including government agencies, defense organizations, and commercial airlines.
Among Boeing’s top government contracts are a $5.02 billion deal for Missile Defense Agency’s ground-based midcourse defense system and a $3.1 billion contract for spares and repairs of Navy aviation weapon systems.
BAE Systems
BAE Systems ranks among the most outstanding civilian contracting companies in the US. It boasts over 100,000 skilled employees in over 40 countries, providing defense, aerospace, and security solutions to governments and commercial clients worldwide.
The company has leading positions in key markets like the United States, UK, Saudi Arabia, and Australia. Operating within a performance-driven and values-led culture, it aims to deliver solutions that protect those who serve and protect the company.
BAE Systems is also involved in major defense projects. In March 2024, the U.S. Army awarded BAE Systems a $754 million contract modification to procure armored multipurpose vehicles.
Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon has been making waves in the defense industry since its establishment in 1922. The global business is known for building missiles, drones, and air defense systems, catering to the needs of various federal security and defense initiatives.
In 2023, Raytheon underwent a restructuring, which divided its operations into three business segments: Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon. Nonetheless, its core operations remain guided by its values and noble mission—to help the nation and its allies in protecting freedom and deterring aggression.
In January 2023, Raytheon Technologies secured a five-year, $270.9 million contract to support the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in delivering imagery intelligence and analysis capabilities to domestic and international partners.
Booz Allen Hamilton
Booz Allen Hamilton is one of the world’s most established civilian contracting firms. Since 1914, it has provided management and technology consulting services to public and commercial clients.
For more than a century, Booz Allen Hamilton has forged a strong partnership with the federal government. In line with this, the Virginia-based company was hailed the “world’s most profitable spy organization” by Bloomberg in 2013.
In 2023, the firm secured an $85 million contract from the U.S. Navy to deliver technical services supporting the unit responsible for manning and training information warfare forces.
L3Harris Technologies
L3Harris Technologies, a newcomer compared to other contracting companies, has been making waves since its establishment in 2019. The company is the result of the merger of L3 Technologies and Harris Corporation.
The Florida-based company supports numerous federal initiatives, focusing on wireless gear, tactical radios, and C6ISR systems, among other warfare solutions. With vast military solutions in its product arsenal, it is no surprise that the company recently won a potential seven-year, $479 million contract.
Leidos
Leidos is an American defense, aviation, information technology, and biomedical research enterprise. Formerly known as Science Applications International Corporation, its legacy dates back to 1969 when Dr. J. Robert Beyster founded the company.
The firm has over 1,200 experts working efficiently to make the world safer, healthier, and more efficient through technology, engineering, and science. The year 2023 marked a historic milestone for Leidos as it achieved record-breaking performance, boasting an impressive $15.4 billion in revenue, according to the company’s CEO, Thomas Bell.
In 2016, Leidos merged with Lockheed Martin’s Information Systems & Global Solutions to create the defense industry’s largest IT services provider. The civilian contracting companies were awarded a potential three-year, $94.8 million contract to support the U.S. Navy’s unmanned surface platforms in 2023.
Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman delivers solutions across various domains, including space, aeronautics, defense, and cyberspace. Headquartered in Falls Church, Virginia, it brings together 100,000 experts to collectively push boundaries and redefine possibilities.
The company’s top-notch products include advanced aircraft, spacecraft, and unmanned systems. Its services primarily cater to the Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and other civilian contracting companies.
Northrop Grumman’s $80.3 million contract win from the Department of Defense (DoD) proves the firm’s dominance in the space and defense industries.
CACI International
CACI International has been a leading provider of technology solutions since 1962. It employs 23,000 talented employees, focusing on national security and government modernization.
The company extends its expertise to several federal branches dealing with defense, homeland security, and intelligence. For over 20 years, CACI has assigned over 1,800 cyber and information assurance experts to serve the Intelligence Community and the Department of Defense.
Notably, the President and CEO of the CACI, John Mengucci, was honored with the prestigious 2024 Wash100 Award for his outstanding leadership in driving the company’s success.
