Perhaps in the past you have considered or are currently considering selling to the government through a defense contract. If so, one of the first questions that comes to mind is often, “What product or service can I offer the Department of Defense?” The reality is that there are a wide variety of needs, and many unexpected products and services have been picked up by the DoD through a defense contract. Let’s take a look at a sampling of unconventional projects that Defense has spent money on.

Fireworks

At first glance, this may seem obvious. Of course the military purchases fireworks! This is America! The only thing we love more than fireworks is cold beer, cheeseburgers and football. But then the questions form. Aren’t fireworks and pyrotechnics meant to approximate real bombs, but without the damage and death? Bombs like, you know, the ones the military currently have access to? Perhaps they are used in place of actual ordnance to simulate battlefield conditions. Well, that might be the case, if it weren’t for the fact that most fireworks are still incredibly deadly. Maybe they are used in military celebrations of American holidays? Possible, except the DoD budgeted $2,000,000,000 for “pyrotechnics” over the past ten years. Either the military has found ways that fireworks can improve their weapons systems or responses (most contracts involving fireworks list “AMMUNITION” as the product or service provided) or the U.S. military has some incomprehensibly flamboyant Fourth of July and New Years celebrations.

Archaeological/ Paleontological Studies

Let me paint you a picture here. You are a soldier on the modern battlefield. You’ve got a lot to worry about what with enemies attacking you, trying to live in hostile environments, and engaging in often grueling and arduous training. So you’re on base, getting in shape and prepping for a patrol, when all of the sudden a velociraptor shows up out of nowhere. Fortunately for you, Dr. Grant and crew have been doing extensive research funded by the DoD. Don’t laugh. This is serious stuff here. To destroy the dinosaur, we must understand the dinosaur. What’s that you say? What about the archaeological studies? Simple. We are training an elite force of tactical Indiana Joneses.

Toilet Soap

Understandably, the men and women of the armed forces need soap. You just can’t spread truth, justice and the American way without working up a hearty sweat. However, the DoD almost certainly pays a pittance for these cleanliness products, right? Perhaps they even manufacture their own soap from tree bark, metal shavings and ground up bits of battlefield detritus. If you thought this (and I know you all did), you would be woefully wrong. In fact, the DoD budgeted over $88,000,000 between 2001-2010 for over 200 different manufacturers of soap. There can only be one conclusion. The government is attempting to create military-grade soap on a rope that can be used both as a crude flail against all who would oppose freedom and as a means of imparting a clean, rugged, leathery scent whenever one is required.

Railguns

Ok. It actually makes perfect sense why the military would spend money on these. I just really wanted to show you this video demonstrating how awesome they are.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1q_rRicAwI

As you can see, there are all kinds of ways you can provide solutions for the government, even if they fall outside the traditional needs of defense. Whether you’re providing pen caps, accounting services, or futuristic mega-weapons, there is probably a spot for you if you can find the right niche and audience. So go out there, get DCAA compliant, and lock down your contract!

Do you think you have a product or service that the government might be interested in? Have you already been awarded a contract? We would love for you to comment and let us know about it!