DoD’s Software Acquisition Pathways: A New Door Opens for Agile Contractors

The Department of Defense just made it easier—and faster—for software-focused small businesses to break into federal contracting. If you’re in the business of governance, compliance, or risk management tools, the Software Acquisition Pathway (SWP) and Software Fast Track (SWFT) programs could be your express lanes to securing DoD contracts. Here's what you need to know—and how to act.

The DoD’s acquisition system has a well-earned reputation for being, well, glacial. But two relatively new initiatives—SWP and SWFT—aim to change that, especially when it comes to software. SWP is a streamlined procurement process that cuts through bureaucratic red tape to help the military acquire modern, commercial software quickly. SWFT, on the other hand, doubles down on cybersecurity and supply chain integrity, giving preference to vendors with secure, agile, and modular solutions.

If you're a small business with a governance software product—think compliance dashboards, RMF support tools, risk management platforms—these pathways could be the most direct route to a DoD contract.

So what’s the catch? There isn’t one—but there are requirements.

To play in the SWP/SWFT sandbox, you need to speak the DoD's new software language: DevSecOps, modular architecture, automated testing, secure-by-design principles, and supply chain transparency.

Here’s how that plays out for governance software:

• Commercial-first mindset: Position your product as a ready-to-deploy commercial solution. The DoD prefers commercial tech over homegrown, customized software. If you meet NIST 800-53 or ISO 27001 standards, you're halfway there.

• Secure and transparent: Build in a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), embed security features like encryption and audit trails, and be able to clearly document your supply chain. SWFT is all about preventing surprises in your code base.

• Modular and agile: The days of monolithic, waterfall-developed platforms are over. If your software can be updated iteratively, deployed via CI/CD pipelines, and integrated with DoD systems—you're speaking their language.

• Operational within a year: Under SWP, the DoD expects to see viable functionality within 12 months of award. That means having a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) ready to go—or at least in the works.

Why does this matter for small contractors?

Because traditional DoD procurement was never designed for the pace of modern software. It favored hardware and complex systems development over flexible, commercial solutions. SWP and SWFT rewrite that playbook, giving smaller, innovative companies a real shot at serving the largest buyer in the world.

This is especially relevant if you're pursuing:

• SBA 8a certification services

• Women owned small business certification

• Disabled veteran small business certification

• Or you're offering SBIR Grant Assistance and need a bridge to production-scale deployments

How to take action now

• Respond to CSOs and RFIs
  The DoD is leaning into Commercial Solutions Openings (CSOs) for SWP projects. Monitor opportunities on SAM.gov and be ready with an MVP that speaks directly to a known DoD pain point—like acquisition compliance or cybersecurity governance.

• Pursue OTA opportunities
  Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) are another non-traditional, faster path to funding and piloting your software. These contracts allow for more flexibility, making them ideal for early-stage products and innovation partners.

• Partner up
  Collaborate with DoD innovation units like the Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) or partner with larger contractors as a subcontractor or tech integrator. This can provide an on-ramp into more complex procurements.

• Train and support the user base
  One often-overlooked barrier to adoption is the DoD workforce itself. Providing documentation, onboarding, and even in-person support can ease the implementation curve and make your product stick.

Don’t wait for a perfect solicitation—prototype and pitch

This isn’t the time to play it safe or wait for a traditional RFP. The SWP/SWFT landscape rewards companies that can move fast, demonstrate value quickly, and iterate based on feedback. If your governance tool can support policy enforcement, automate risk analysis, or streamline compliance, there’s likely a mission owner out there who needs it now.

The bottom line

The DoD is moving away from rigid, years-long procurement cycles when it comes to software—and toward an agile, risk-tolerant, innovation-driven approach. That’s good news for small businesses with the right product and mindset. By aligning your governance software with SWP and SWFT requirements, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re making yourself indispensable to the next generation of defense operations.

If you're exploring ways to align your offering with the best government contracting opportunities, don’t miss our related blog post: "The FAR Overhaul Has Arrived—What Small Contractors Need to Know"—it breaks down how acquisition reform is reshaping who gets funded and how.

If you aren't a Squared Compass partner, what are you waiting for? From getting your business set up with specific government set aside programs at both the State and Federal level, to being empowered by a Fractional Capture team to win government contracts, to receiving tailored government contract opportunities Squared Compass delivers immense value which helps propel our partners to success. Schedule a chat with our team today.