New York Federal Contracting Overview
New York ranks #5 among U.S. states with $262,156,461,275 in federal contract obligations flowing to organizations headquartered or performing work in the state. There are 25 prime contractors in our database with a New York address, led by NYS Department of Health. This page provides an overview of federal procurement activity in New York, including top contractors, resources for small businesses pursuing government contracts, and links to state and local procurement portals.
Federal Contracting in New York
Federal contracting represents a significant economic driver in New York. The $262,156,461,275 in obligations reported through USASpending.gov includes contracts, grants, loans, and other financial assistance flowing to New York-based organizations. This spending supports jobs, infrastructure, research institutions, healthcare facilities, and defense installations across the state.
The federal government awards contracts through a competitive process governed by the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Businesses in New York can compete for these contracts by registering on SAM.gov, identifying relevant NAICS codes, and monitoring solicitations posted to the government's central procurement portal. Small businesses may qualify for additional advantages through certification programs including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB.
Top Contractors in New York
The following table lists the largest federal award recipients headquartered in New York, ranked by total obligated dollars. These figures reflect cumulative obligations reported to USASpending.gov and include all contract types, grants, and other federal financial assistance. Click any contractor name to view their full profile, including agency relationships, award history, and competitive analysis.
| Rank | Contractor | City | Total Obligated |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. | Greenlawn | $1.5B |
| 2 | Brookhaven Science Associates LLC | Upton | $833.8M |
| 3 | L3Harris Global Communications, Inc. | Rochester | $803.2M |
| 4 | Atlas Air, Inc. | White Plains | $759.4M |
| 5 | Pfizer Inc | New YORK | $699.8M |
| 6 | Ernst & Young LLP | New YORK | $495.8M |
| 7 | Deployed Resources LLC | ROME | $414.8M |
| 8 | SAAB, Inc | East Syracuse | $368.0M |
| 9 | Sevenson Environmental Services, Inc. | Niagara Falls | $206.5M |
Small Business Resources in New York
New York offers several resources for businesses pursuing federal contracts. The federal government is required to award at least 23% of prime contract dollars to small businesses, creating significant opportunities for qualified firms across the state. The following organizations provide free or low-cost assistance to businesses entering the federal market.
APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC): The New York APEX Accelerator provides free, one-on-one counseling to businesses pursuing government contracts at the federal, state, and local levels. Services include assistance with SAM.gov registration, bid preparation, proposal writing, and identifying relevant contract opportunities. APEX Accelerators are funded by the Department of Defense and operate in every state.
Small Business Development Center (SBDC): The New York SBDC network provides training, consulting, and resources for small businesses, including guidance on government contracting. SBDCs operate through partnerships with local colleges, universities, and economic development organizations.
SBA District Office: The U.S. Small Business Administration maintains district offices in New York that provide information about federal small business certification programs, including 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB, and SDVOSB.
Getting Started with Federal Contracting in New York
If your business is based in New York and you're interested in pursuing federal contracts, the process begins with several key steps. First, obtain a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and register your business on SAM.gov — this is mandatory for all federal contractors. Next, identify the NAICS codes that best describe your business and review the SBA size standards to determine if you qualify as a small business. Finally, begin monitoring solicitations on SAM.gov and consider reaching out to your local APEX Accelerator for personalized guidance.
For a comprehensive walkthrough, see our guide on how to get government contracts.
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How much federal contract money flows to New York?
New York receives $262,156,461,275 in federal contract obligations, ranking #5 among U.S. states and territories. This includes contracts, grants, loans, and other financial assistance to organizations headquartered in or performing work in the state.
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Who are New York's biggest federal contractors?
The largest federal contractor in New York is BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc. with $1.5B in total obligations, followed by Brookhaven Science Associates LLC ($833.8M). See the full ranked list above.
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How do I start a government contracting business in New York?
Begin by registering on SAM.gov, selecting appropriate NAICS codes, and contacting your local APEX Accelerator for free counseling. If you qualify as a small business, consider pursuing SBA certifications for additional advantages. See our complete guide to getting government contracts.
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Where is the APEX Accelerator in New York?
APEX Accelerators (formerly Procurement Technical Assistance Centers or PTACs) operate throughout New York. Find your nearest location at apexaccelerators.us. These centers provide free, one-on-one counseling on government contracting, including help with SAM registration, bid preparation, and proposal writing.
Data sourced from USASpending.gov . Federal contracting data is public domain.