Peraton Wins $953M DISA Recompete — What the Award Means for Small Business IT Contractors in the Comms Infrastructure Market

Published August 27, 2026 | TIKC NewsWire

Peraton has secured one of the most significant DISA contracts of 2026 — a $953 million recompete for DISA communications infrastructure support. The award represents a major reaffirmation of Peraton’s position in the defense IT services market and continues its consolidation of large DISA contract vehicles following its 2021 acquisition of the former Perspecta. For small business IT contractors with DISA experience, clearances, and relevant NAICS codes, a $953 million prime contract generates substantial downstream subcontracting demand — and the time to position for it is now, not after Peraton has fully stood up its delivery teams.

What the DISA Communications Infrastructure Contract Covers

DISA — the Defense Information Systems Agency — manages the global telecommunications and IT infrastructure that connects every element of the U.S. military and defense enterprise. Communications infrastructure support contracts cover a broad range of activities: network operations and maintenance, satellite communications support, transport layer management, cybersecurity monitoring and incident response for communications systems, and the engineering and technical services that keep global military communications operational 24/7/365. This is not a software development contract — it is an operations and maintenance contract at the heart of DoD’s ability to communicate, command, and control.

The $953 million ceiling over the contract term represents significant recurring revenue. Recompetes of this type — where a major incumbent successfully retains a large contract — typically maintain substantial continuity in the delivery team while potentially refreshing subcontractor relationships in response to competitive pricing pressure and small business participation plan requirements.

The Subcontracting Opportunity for Small Businesses

Peraton’s small business subcontracting plan is a legal requirement. As a large business prime on a federal contract of this size, Peraton is required to submit and execute a small business subcontracting plan that sets specific percentage goals for work subcontracted to small, woman-owned, veteran-owned, HUBZone, and socially disadvantaged small businesses. These goals are not suggestions — they are contract commitments with performance reporting requirements. Peraton’s compliance with those goals depends on finding and working with qualified small business subcontractors.

The relevant capability areas for small business subcontracting include: network engineering and operations support (NAICS 517312, 517410, 541512), cybersecurity monitoring and incident response for communications systems (541519, 541512), satellite communications technical support (517410, 541330), program management and administrative support (541611), and technical training for communications system operators (611430). Small businesses with clearances — Secret or Top Secret/SCI — and demonstrated DISA or military communications experience are the primary candidates.

The approach: proactive outreach, not passive waiting. The time to approach Peraton’s subcontracting team is now — in the first 90 days after award, while the delivery team is standing up and subcontract slots are being filled. Contact Peraton’s Small Business Program through their website, reference the DISA communications infrastructure award specifically, and lead with your relevant NAICS codes, security clearances, and past performance on DISA or military communications programs. A capability statement tailored to this specific contract scope — not a generic one — is the most effective initial contact document.

The Broader DISA Small Business Picture

DISA is one of the most accessible defense agencies for small business IT contractors. The agency has consistently met or exceeded its small business contracting goals and actively uses DISA ENCORE III — its primary IT contract vehicle — which includes significant small business participation. Small businesses on ENCORE III are positioned for task order opportunities both directly and as subcontractors under large business ENCORE III holders. If you are not on ENCORE III and do DISA-relevant IT work, the next ENCORE vehicle — its successor is in development — should be on your business development radar.

The Bottom Line

Peraton’s $953 million DISA recompete win is a large prime contract award that generates real small business opportunity through the subcontracting pipeline. The window to position is the first 90 days after award — when delivery teams are being built, subcontract slots are being filled, and Peraton’s small business team is actively looking for qualified partners to satisfy their plan commitments. Clearances, DISA-relevant NAICS codes, and tailored outreach are your entry points. Brick by brick — large prime awards are not closed doors for small businesses; they are supply chains waiting to be filled.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DISA and why does it matter for IT contractors?

DISA — the Defense Information Systems Agency — manages the global telecommunications and IT infrastructure connecting the U.S. military and defense enterprise. DISA is one of the most accessible defense agencies for small business IT contractors, consistently meeting its small business contracting goals and using IT contract vehicles like ENCORE III that include significant small business participation.

What NAICS codes are most relevant for DISA subcontracting?

Primary NAICS codes for DISA communications and IT work include 517312 (Wireless Telecommunications), 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), 541512 (Computer Systems Design), 541519 (Other Computer-Related Services), 541330 (Engineering Services for communications systems), 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting), and 611430 (Professional Training). Security clearances — Secret or TS/SCI — are typically required.

How do I approach Peraton’s subcontracting team?

Contact Peraton’s Small Business Program through their corporate website, reference the DISA communications infrastructure award specifically, and lead with your relevant NAICS codes, clearance levels, and past performance on DISA or military communications programs. A tailored capability statement specific to this contract scope — not a generic one — is the most effective initial contact document. Act within the first 90 days after award while delivery teams are being built.

References

GovCon Wire. (2026, August 27). Peraton wins $953M DISA comms infrastructure recompete. https://www.govconwire.com/

Washington Technology. (2026, August). Latest government contracting news. https://www.washingtontechnology.com/

About the Author

Melanie Patterson

Founder & CEO of Team Integrity Knowledge Center and creator of GovCon iSource. Former nurse turned entrepreneur with over 10 years guiding small, women-owned, and minority-owned businesses to over $10 million in government awards. Build, grow, scale — brick by brick. Contact