Homeland Security

Senate Republicans proposed $78.2 billion for the Department of Homeland Security in fiscal 2027 appropriations, including $11.6 billion for Customs and Border Protection, a slight increase over CBP’s fiscal 2026 enacted level. The measure is an opening negotiating position, not enacted funding; contractors should plan for uncertainty ahead of a possible shutdown after December 11, 2026.

Emails and Signal messages from March through August 2025 indicate that Corey Lewandowski, an unpaid adviser to then-Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, took part in senior briefings and day-to-day immigration enforcement decisions. The reporting may increase scrutiny of DHS and ICE leadership, but identifies no procurement opportunity, contract action, or change to acquisition requirements.

FEMA has made $250 million available to states for counter-UAS capabilities protecting critical infrastructure and major public events, with applications due November 16, 2026. Contractors are not direct applicants, but state and local implementation may create demand for integrated sensors, shared airspace awareness, training, and equipment sustainment ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

FEMA is offering $250 million through its FY2027 Counter-UAS Grant Program to expand drone detection and response capabilities nationwide. State Administrative Agencies are the only direct applicants, making early coordination with states essential for local agencies and vendors; applications are due November 16, 2026, at 5 p.m. Eastern.

A reported breach exposed searchable records on more than 41,000 current and former DHS employees and contractors, including personnel at CBP, ICE, and CISA. DHS says it is addressing a potential breach; the reports identify no related solicitation, award, or contract action, but raise operational cybersecurity and workforce-protection concerns for contractors supporting the department.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection awarded Unissant a potential five-year, $166.4 million prime contract to continue vetting workflow support. The incumbent continuation highlights the value of proven CBP program experience for firms pursuing border-screening and related mission-support work.

BigBear.ai Holdings says it has secured more than $225 million in federal contract awards since July, including more than 25 generative AI wins across homeland security, defense, intelligence, and civilian missions. The aggregate figure signals agency demand but does not identify individual awards, obligations, vehicles, or solicitations, so contractors should track funding and teaming developments rather than treat it as a direct bid opportunity.

OpenWorks Engineering received a purchase order to provide its Vision Pace counter-UAS system in support of the DHS Science and Technology Directorate, using Amentum’s DoD Information Analysis Center Multiple Award Contract. The award indicates federal demand for deployable drone-sensing capabilities through an existing contract vehicle; order value, quantity, schedule, and deployment locations were not disclosed.

TTM Technologies has agreed to acquire MKS Inc.’s Ophir Optics business for approximately $650 million in cash, with closing expected in the second quarter of 2027 pending regulatory approvals and government consents and permits. The proposed deal could expand TTM’s thermal infrared imaging and laser optics capabilities, making supplier capacity and continuity important considerations for defense and security buyers.

Sen. Gary Peters is demanding answers about oversight of more than $260 billion in Department of Homeland Security funding, citing border-wall contracts awarded before site access was secured, $20.5 million in warehouse purchases later slated for sale, and planned aircraft acquisitions. The concerns may prompt closer scrutiny of DHS acquisition planning and spending controls, but do not announce a new solicitation or contract opportunity.

Federal spending on professional and administrative support services fell from $112 billion to $100 billion, while broader service-contract spending declined from about $226 billion to $218 billion for the year ending in June. Overall contract spending still increased, led mainly by defense and homeland-security purchases, indicating a shift in the federal spending mix rather than across-the-board growth in outsourced work.

Leaders from **U.S. European Command** and **U.S. Northern Command** convened to discuss future operations in the Arctic and their implications for homeland defense. While no immediate procurement opportunities were announced, alignment of contractor capabilities with mission requirements may be essential for future engagements.

The U.S. Army has awarded 10 IDIQ contracts totaling $4.15 billion for counter-UAS systems, enhancing homeland defense and joint force capabilities. Additional awards are expected, enabling diverse vendors to engage in the fast-evolving drone defense market.

C Speed, led by CEO Dave Abel, is scaling its advanced surveillance solutions for federal agencies, indicating a growing demand for such technologies in homeland security. This presents new procurement opportunities for contractors focusing on domain awareness technologies to meet agency needs.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement reverts to competitive procurement for a data services contract valued at $125 million. This strategy aims to expand vendor participation while fulfilling critical investigative analytics needs for Homeland Security Investigations, with bids to be solicited by August 24, 2026.

The USDA and DHS have established a Memorandum of Understanding to bolster the national biosecurity framework. This collaboration aims to address biological threats to the agricultural sector and suggests future procurement opportunities for biosecurity technologies and services.

The Texas House Committee is discussing measures to strengthen enforcement against foreign adversaries, impacting procurement processes. Potential changes in contract requirements aim to mitigate risks associated with foreign influence, particularly in homeland security sectors.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to reissue the **Enterprise Gateway and Integration Services (EGIS) III** contract, expanding its scope to include critical vetting and screening functions valued between **$50 million and $100 million**. The new solicitation is scheduled for release in January 2027, marking a key procurement opportunity for small businesses.

The Department of Defense has awarded AeroVironment a $500 million IDIQ contract to enhance drone defense capabilities. This signals an increasing focus on advanced sensor integration and domestic security, providing opportunities for contractors in the defense sector.

The Department of Defense has awarded a $500 million IDIQ contract to AeroVironment to enhance counter-drone technologies at U.S. military installations. The initial task order valued at $80.5 million will deploy cutting-edge systems at Air Force Global Strike Command bases, highlighting a significant investment in drone defense capabilities.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) plans a $100 million contract for aerospace engineering support for its Air and Marine Operations fleet. The HUBZone small business set-aside contract is expected to be solicited around July 17, with awards announced in Q4 FY 2026, impacting aviation modernization efforts until 2031.

Customs and Border Protection seized Glock conversion devices at JFK, linked to ongoing homicides. This underscores the need for enhanced security procurement to address emerging threats in firearms trafficking.