Federal Contract Alert: Contract Security Officer (CSO) (Armed/Unarmed) Support Services — DEPT OF DEFENSE.WASHINGTON HEADQUARTERS SERVICES (WHS).WASHINGTON HEA

Contract Security Officer (CSO) Support Services – DoD WHS Opportunity

The Department of Defense Washington Headquarters Services (WHS) is seeking qualified contractors to provide Contract Security Officer (CSO) support services, both armed and unarmed, to protect personnel and facilities at the Pentagon and related DoD installations in the Washington, D.C. area. This is a significant opportunity for service providers in the security and protective services sector.

What Is This Opportunity?

WHS manages administrative and operational support functions for the Office of the Secretary of Defense. This solicitation requires CSOs to perform security patrols, access control, threat assessment, and emergency response duties at high-profile federal facilities. The contract will likely include training requirements, background clearance coordination, and compliance with DoD security protocols. Contract duration, vehicle provision, uniform standards, and shift requirements should all be clarified in the full solicitation document available on SAM.gov.

Eligible Businesses and Set-Aside Status

This opportunity is reserved exclusively for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). To qualify, your firm must be:

• Certified as service-disabled veteran-owned by the VA, Small Business Administration, or eligible third-party verifiers
• Classified under NAICS code 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services)
• Independently owned and operated with the service-disabled veteran maintaining at least 51% ownership and control
• Deemed "small" per SBA size standards for security services (currently $16.5 million in average annual receipts)

Non-SDVOSBs are ineligible. Verify your SDVOSB certification status through the VA's Vendor Information Pages (VIP) system before submitting a proposal.

Critical Deadlines

Deadline to Submit Proposals: July 23, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET

Posted: July 10, 2026

This gives bidders approximately 13 days to prepare proposals. For government contracting, this is a tight window. Begin gathering documentation immediately, including your SDVOSB certificate, CAGE code, tax ID, and security clearance history of key personnel.

How to Respond – Step-by-Step

1. Review the Full Solicitation: Access the complete RFQ/RFP on SAM.gov. Note all evaluation criteria, past performance requirements, and technical specifications.
2. Verify Eligibility: Confirm your SDVOSB status is current and that your NAICS code registration matches 561612.
3. Gather Documentation: Compile your DUNS number, CAGE code, financial statements, proof of insurance (general liability and workers' compensation), and references from prior security contracts.
4. Address Past Performance: The government will evaluate your experience. Prepare 3–5 relevant contracts demonstrating similar scope, quality, and compliance.
5. Submit Electronically: Upload your proposal to SAM.gov before the deadline. Plan for a 24-hour buffer in case of technical issues.

Competitive Intelligence Takeaway

Research competitors using GovWin IQ and Bloomberg Government. Search for other SDVOSBs winning DoD security contracts to benchmark pricing, staffing models, and compliance approaches. WHS contracts often favor bidders with existing facility familiarity and DC-area presence.

CMMC & DFARS Compliance Checklist

CMMC Level Required: Security services at DoD facilities typically require CMMC Level 1 as a baseline, though access to controlled unclassified information (CUI) may trigger Level 2 requirements. Clarify this in the solicitation.

Key DFARS Clauses to Check:

• DFARS 252.204-7012: Safeguarding of Controlled Unclassified Information—required if you'll handle CUI related to DoD operations or personnel.
• DFARS 252.204-7019/7020: Critical Cybersecurity Safeguards—mandates incident reporting and vulnerability disclosure if information systems are involved.

SPRS Self-Assessment Score: Ensure your Supplier Performance Risk System (SPRS) score is clean. Any outstanding payment issues or compliance flags will affect award likelihood.

What Small Contractors Must Have in Place:

• Personnel security clearances (at least SECRET for CSOs; TS/SCI preferred)
• DoD cybersecurity awareness training documentation
• Written information security and incident response procedures
• Proof of CMMC Level 1 assessment (or roadmap to compliance)

3 Actionable Tips

1. Prioritize Clearances Early: CSO positions require federal background checks. Begin vetting your team's clearability now; delays here kill proposals.
2. Document All Prior DoD Work: Government evaluators weigh past performance heavily. Gather signed letters of reference from previous DoD or federal security contracts within the last three years.
3. Lock in Insurance Before Bid: General liability, workers' compensation, and crime insurance must be in force. Quote renewals early to avoid deadline surprises.

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