Military & Government Contracting

Defending Abilene’s Workforce

Since 1956, the city of Abilene has forged strong ties with Dyess Air Force Base, home of the B-1B Lancer, the C-130 Hercules, and more than 13,000 personnel, both military and civilian. The mission of the Dyess Air Force Base is to provide professional training and combat support and airlift support to combatant commanders at all times and locations.

In addition to strong military support, Abilene also hosts a slew of companies that service government contracts. In 2020, Abilene won over 3.5 million contracts, totaling over $420 trillion.

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Dyess Airforce Base Military Affairs Committee (MAC)

Explore Major Employers in Abilene.

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Fast Facts

$3.8 Billion

Economic Impact on Texas from Dyess Air Force Base

$400 Million+

Defense Contracts Awarded to Contractors in Abilene

#1

Abilene named a Great American Defense Community by Association of Defense Communities

#4

Best Colleges for Veterans

(McMurry University)

600

Airmen Exiting Dyess Air Force Base Annually

#7

Best Colleges for Veterans

(Abilene Christian University)

Government Contracting
Military Affairs Committee
Education

Government Contracting

Keeping Abilene On The Map

Companies in Abilene working with government contracting contribute greatly to the local economy. Over the last 20 years, more than $400 million of defense contracts were awarded to contractors in the city. Contacts are available for bid in various industries such as information technology, infrastructure construction, and operation and maintenance services.

The Northwest Texas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC), whose main office is located in Abilene, educates and assists local businesses to more effectively compete in the government marketplace. PTAC assists small businesses find, bid and win procurement opportunities with federal, state, and local government entities.

Military Affairs Committee

An Integral Part of Abilene

Abilene is proud to be of service to the men and women who defend our country.

For more than 60 years, the Military Affairs Committee, an affiliate of the Abilene Chamber of Commerce, has created strong ties with the military community in Abilene’s Dyess Air Force Base. Following the end of World War II and the closure of Tye Air Base, the committee worked to raise close to a million dollars in the early 1950s for the installation of permanent military infrastructure and a Strategic Air Command base in central Texas.

The organization has built trusted relationships with the base, leading to invaluable economic benefits and resources for the city of Abilene.

airplane taking off in the sunset at an airport landing strip

Education

Abilene Christian University’s Office of Veterans Affairs

It’s never too late. Earn a degree today.

Abilene Christian University’s Office of Veterans Affairs makes it possible to earn high-level degrees and receive applicable benefits as an active-duty service member or veteran through online and on-campus courses. The same type of veteran benefits and education programs rings true for McMurry University and Cisco College, as well as other schools in Taylor County.

Visit The Military & Veterans Students page on the Abilene Christian University website for details on forms, processes, and information sheets.

Defending Abilene’s Workforce

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Explore Major Employers in Abilene.

Fast Facts

$3.8 Billion

$400 Million+

#1

#4

600

#7

Key Employers

Taylor County Veterans Services Office

Texas Aerospace Services

Hartmann’s, Inc

BWJ Metalworks

Abilene Aero

Aero Simulation