Military & Government Contracting

Military & Government Contracting in Abilene, Texas

Anchored by Dyess Air Force Base and supported by a collaborative workforce and industry network, Abilene offers military and government contractors a strong foundation for long-term growth. Companies benefit from direct access to military-connected talent, a lower-cost operating environment and the partnerships needed to support mission-critical operations.

Whether supporting defense, aerospace, cybersecurity, intelligence, logistics, maintenance or training, contractors find the workforce, infrastructure and capacity needed to grow without the escalating labor costs, workforce competition and development constraints common in larger defense markets.

Abilene, Texas

Dyess Air Force Base

Dyess Air Force Base is one of West Texas’ largest military installations and a cornerstone of Abilene’s military and government contracting network. Home to B-1B Lancer and C-130J Super Hercules operations, the installation employs more than 5,300 military and civilian personnel and supports nearly 9,000 additional jobs across the region, creating a strong foundation for defense-related industries.

The presence of Dyess Air Force Base strengthens Abilene’s position as a hub for military and government contracting activities. Its long-standing mission, technical capabilities and close ties to the local community create opportunities for collaboration while supporting a stable environment for companies serving federal and defense customers.

Abilene, Texas

Government Contracting

Abilene has a long history of supporting companies that serve federal, state and local government agencies. Over the past two decades, contractors in Abilene have been awarded more than $400 million in Department of Defense contracts, demonstrating the region’s established role in supporting military and government missions.

Companies pursuing government contracts also benefit from local resources designed to help them compete in the federal marketplace. The Northwest Texas Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) provides guidance to businesses seeking government contracting opportunities by helping them identify procurement opportunities, navigate the bidding process and compete for contracts with federal, state and local agencies.

A group of men work on an airstrip

Abilene, Texas

Military Affairs Committee

Abilene’s longstanding commitment to Dyess Air Force Base extends beyond the installation itself. Through the Military Affairs Council (MAC), community leaders, businesses and local partners work together to strengthen the relationship between Dyess and the region while supporting the long-term success of its military mission.

Since 2020, the Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) has invested more than $2.6 million in the Military Affairs Council to strengthen Dyess Air Force Base and reinforce its long-term presence in Abilene.

This continued investment reflects the community’s commitment to supporting military operations and creating an environment where defense and government contractors can be successful.

airplane taking off in the sunset at an airport landing strip

Defense & Government Industry Network

Abilene’s military presence has helped cultivate a business environment well aligned with the needs of defense and government contractors. Companies benefit from an established network where military operations, private industry, education and community partners work together to support mission readiness, workforce development and long-term growth.

Supported by strengths in aerospace, logistics, cybersecurity, engineering and advanced manufacturing, organizations have access to the technical capabilities and industry partnerships needed to support a wide range of federal and defense missions.

Key industry capabilities include:

  • Aircraft Maintenance & Sustainment
  • Defense Logistics
  • Training & Simulation
  • Cybersecurity
  • Information Technology
  • Engineering Services
  • Mission Operations Support
  • Advanced Manufacturing

Abilene Military & Government Contracting Companies

Abilene, Texas

Workforce

Abilene offers military and government contractors access to a highly skilled workforce with experience supporting complex, mission-driven operations. As an average of 500 Airmen transition from Dyess Air Force Base into the civilian workforce each year, companies benefit from a recurring pipeline of military-connected talent and a balanced labor market that supports long-term workforce stability.

Key workforce strengths include:

  • Aerospace & Aircraft Maintenance
  • Logistics & Supply Chain Operations
  • Cybersecurity & Information Technology
  • Intelligence & Mission Support Services
  • Advanced Manufacturing
  • Technical Field Service Operations
  • Training & Simulation
  • Engineering Support Services

Further strengthening this talent pipeline are military transition programs such as SkillBridge, which connect employers with service members before they separate from active duty. These programs help contractors engage highly skilled talent earlier, reduce hiring timelines and build a sustainable workforce pipeline for long-term growth.

Abilene, Texas

Education Pipeline

Abilene’s education pipeline prepares students and professionals for careers supporting military, government and defense-related operations through Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, higher education institutions, technical training and workforce development. Together, these partners develop the technical, analytical and professional skills employers need across fields such as cybersecurity, engineering, advanced manufacturing, information technology and business.

The region’s education and workforce partners include:

  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs
  • Abilene Christian University
  • Hardin-Simmons University
  • McMurry University
  • Texas State Technical College (TSTC)
  • Cisco College
  • Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas

The Development Corporation of Abilene (DCOA) works with employers, education institutions and workforce partners to align training and workforce initiatives with industry needs. This collaborative approach allows employers to help shape the talent pipeline while creating pathways that prepare students and professionals for careers supporting military and government operations.

 

Abilene, Texas

Utilities & Connectivity

Abilene’s reliable and scalable utility infrastructure provides a strong foundation for military and government contracting operations. Companies have access to power, water, natural gas and digital connectivity, with capacity to serve a range of operations and support future expansion.