Defense and Federal Contracting

When it comes to defense and federal contracting, we attract attention for all the right reasons. Charles County’s proximity, people, and price point give companies an edge that’s competitive without compromise.

Our Choice Location

Charles County is within a 40-minute drive of key federal labs and military installations, allowing easy access to clients in Baltimore, Richmond, and Washington, DC. Proximity to government agencies, customers, and suppliers keeps defense and federal contracting firms on the cutting edge.

The newly established Western Charles County Technology Corridor underscores Charles County's strategic focus on innovation, showcasing a robust commitment to advancing the technological landscape. Home to 130 businesses in technology, research and development, and energetics, this corridor forms a dynamic network of like-minded organizations driving technological progress and creativity.

Our Strategic Collaborations

Shared discoveries strengthen our capabilities in the defense space. Within Charles County, the Town of Indian Head is a revitalization effort powered by the public-private sector. Indian Head is home to Naval Support Facility Indian Head, which houses the Naval Surface Warfare Center Indian Head Division, a premier facility for ordnance, energetics, and explosive ordnance disposal (EOD). Just over the bridge, Naval Support Facility Dahlgren is the nerve center of warfare systems development and integration. 

The need for collaboration outside the gates inspired the development of the College of Southern Maryland's Velocity Center at Indian Head. Providing defense and federal contractors with flexible access to conference facilities, classrooms, and a maker’s space, it keeps ingenuity on point and costs economical. A key contributor to Indian Head’s innovation story, the Maryland Technology Center is the 30,000-square-foot home of the United States Bomb Technician Association (USBTA) and affiliated federal collaborators.

Other Key Tenants

• Energetics Technology Center
• Chemical Biological Incident Response Force
• Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command

Our Skilled Workforce

With approximately 5,000 Department of Defense civilian employees residing in Charles, our workforce is a serious selling point. Proximity to sought-after regional talent expands capabilities, with approximately 570,000 professionals available for hire. From energetics to engineering, research and development to warfare technology, our workforce is ready to advance the mission.

Maryland maintains one of the highest percentages of engineers and doctoral scientists in the country. It’s no surprise that the highest concentration of energetics PhDs in the nation choose Charles County to perform and prosper. In addition, there are career and contract opportunities for trades, crafts, labor, logistics, and administrative positions.

Upskilling helps local companies stay ahead in the marketplace. The College of Southern Maryland offers continuing education, targeted training, and industry certifications that make skills enhancement easy.

Our Lower Cost of Business

On average, lease rates in Charles County offer companies a 34% savings, as compared with the DC metro area. Stable, affordable utilities, clean energy options, and industry incentives keep our value proposition strong. Shovel-ready acreage or space in an established business park save time and money.

By The Numbers

Notable Assets

Defense Industry Blogs & Articles