Resources for Aerospace and Defense Contract Manufacturers

Aerospace and defense contract manufacturers do important work for the development and building of defense and aerospace vehicles. The US government must approve military defense contractors. Aerospace manufacturing companies must meet the conditions and receive certification in AS9100 standards.

Military contract manufacturers come from every kind of industry, just like an aerospace manufacturing company. There are eight big contractors in the aerospace industry, but they rely on vendors, suppliers and manufacturers for parts, supplies, software, computers, electrical components and other items necessary to build the machines or vehicles.

1. The government must approve military contract manufacturers as government vendors with the US Office of Procurement.

2. Aerospace contract manufacturers must maintain certification in AS9100 standards.

3. Aerospace and defense contract manufacturers guarantee the manufacture of products that meet quality standards as defined by the US government and its departments.

Use military contract manufacturers for your business

Defense contract manufacturers are not all behemoths. The government often defines its vendors and sub contractors as small business companies. Many of these companies provide work for civilian companies as well as the US government.

Consider going in to defense contract manufacturing

The defense department has several projects that require small business support. If you are a manufacturer, you might consider becoming a defense contract manufacturer. Look at businesses with experience as a defense contract manufacturer to determine whether your business might be able to gain a contract.

Use your company's expertise to do aerospace contract manufacturing

You should view the demand for military aerospace contract manufacturers as an opportunity to grow your company. Raise your quality standards and achieve an AS9100 certification. Aerospace contract engineers are always in demand, even for civilian jobs, because AS9100 certification suggests high-quality standards.

• Get information from the US Office of Procurement to apply for vendor status and become a defense contract manufacturing company. To get a certification to become an aerospace contract manufacturing company, go to the Society of American Engineers for information on training for AS9100 standards. In both cases, it can pay to hire a consulting firm that specializes in helping companies through the vendor and standards processes.