You’ve probably driven past Peterson Space Force Base dozens of times, wondering what kind of business opportunities might exist there. Well, I’ve spent years helping businesses in Colorado Springs understand the local market, and Ican tell you that Peterson SFB represents one of the most significant untapped opportunities in our area.
Here’s the thing most people don’t realize: Peterson Space Force Base isn’t just a military installation anymore. It’s become the epicenter of space operations for the entire United States, and that means serious business opportunities for companies that know how to play their cards right.
What’s Really Happening at Peterson Space Force Base Right Now
Let me paint you a picture of what’s going on at Peterson SFB in 2025. The base has transformed from a traditional Air Force installation into the nerve center for space operations, and that transformation is creating ripple effects throughout the Colorado Springs business community.
The Space Operations Command has established its headquarters here, bringing with it thousands of personnel and billions in spending. But here’s what caught my attention: services contracts represent the largest spending category at Peterson, followed by materials, equipment, and supplies. That’s a huge shift from traditional military contracting patterns.
What does this mean for you? It means there’s money being spent on everything from IT services to facility maintenance, from specialized equipment to everyday supplies. The base isn’t just buying fighter jets and missiles anymore – they’re buying the same types of services and products that many local businesses already provide.
The Small Business Revolution
Here’s something that’ll surprise you: the Space Base Delta 1 Small Business Office has made expanding opportunities for small businesses their top priority for 2025. Robert Walter and his team aren’t just paying lip service to small business participation – they’re actively working to really open doors within what the Space Force needs to buy.
I’ve seen this firsthand through my work with Casey’s SEO, helping local businesses get discovered online. The companies that are winning Peterson contracts aren’t necessarily the biggest ones – they’re the ones that understand how to figure out the system and present themselves professionally.
The Types of Opportunities You Can Actually Pursue
Let’s get specific about what kinds of business opportunities exist at Peterson Space Force Base. I’m not talking about building rockets here – I’m talking about real, achievable contracts for businesses of all sizes.
Service-Based Opportunities
Services contracts are the bread and butter of what Peterson SFB is really focused on buying right now. This includes everything from:
- Facility maintenance and janitorial services
- IT support and cybersecurity services
- Professional consulting and training
- Food service and catering
- Transportation and logistics
- Marketing and communications support
The beauty of service contracts is that they’re recurring. Once you establish a relationship and prove your reliability, you’re not constantly fighting for one-off projects. You’re building a sustainable revenue stream.
Supply and Equipment Contracts
Peterson SFB also buys a lot of materials, equipment, and supplies. This isn’t just military-specific gear – they need office supplies, uniforms, maintenance equipment, and all the everyday items that keep a large organization running.
One thing I’ve noticed is that many local businesses assume they can’t compete for government contracts because they think everything has to be “mil-spec.” That’s simply not true anymore. The base needs regular commercial products and services just like any other large employer.
Infrastructure and Construction Projects
Here’s where things get interesting for construction and trades businesses. Peterson SFB has been investing heavily in military construction services and base utilities. In fact, the base needs an additional 1.2 million feet of office space to meet current needs to keep everything running.
That’s not a typo – 1.2 million square feet. We’re talking about a construction boom that could keep local contractors busy for years. From artificial turf installation to major facility upgrades, the infrastructure needs are enormous.
How to Actually Get Started (The Real Process)
Okay, so you’re interested in Peterson SFB opportunities. Where do you actually begin? I’ve watched businesses make the same mistakes over and over, so let me walk you through the real process.
Step 1: Get Your Paperwork in Order
Before you even think about bidding on contracts, you need to be properly registered. This means getting your DUNS number, registering in the System for Award Management (SAM), and understanding your NAICS codes. Iknow it sounds bureaucratic, but this isn’t optional – it’s the price of admission. (And fair warning, SAM registration can take 2-4 weeks, so get started early!)
The good news is that once you’re registered, you’re in the system for all federal contracting opportunities, not just Peterson SFB. Think of it as an investment in your business’s future growth potential.
Step 2: Connect with the Right People
The Space Base Delta 1 Small Business Office should be your first stop. Robert Walter’s team works with both Peterson and Schriever Space Force Base locations, and they’re genuinely interested in helping qualified small businesses succeed.
Don’t just send an email and hope for the best. Request a meeting, bring professional marketing materials, and be prepared to explain exactly what your business does and how it could benefit the base. First impressions matter in government contracting.
This is where having a professional online presence becomes super important. When government contracting officers research your company, they’re going to look you up online. If you need help with your digital presence, you can visit us at our Colorado Springs office to discuss how we can help your business look professional and credible online.
Step 3: Understand the Bidding Process
Government contracting isn’t like bidding on a regular commercial project. There are specific formats, requirements, and evaluation criteria that you must follow exactly. One missed requirement or formatting error can disqualify an otherwise perfect bid.
Start small. Look for contracts in the $25,000 to $150,000 range to get your feet wet. These smaller contracts are often set aside for small businesses, and they give you a chance to learn the process without risking everything on a massive proposal effort.
The Challenges You’ll Actually Face (And How to Handle Them)
Let me be honest with you – Peterson SFB contracting isn’t easy money. There are real challenges that trip up a lot of businesses, and Iwant you to know what you’re getting into.
The Paperwork Mountain
Government contracts come with more paperwork than you’ve ever seen in your life. Environmental compliance, security requirements, reporting obligations – it can be overwhelming. I’ve seen great businesses walk away because they underestimated the administrative burden.
Here’s how to handle it: build the administrative costs into your pricing from day one. If you’re spending 10% of your time on compliance and reporting, make sure your contract pricing reflects that reality. Also, consider hiring someone who specializes in government contract administration, even if it’s just part-time.
The Security Clearance Question
Not every Peterson SFB contract requires security clearances, but many do. Getting clearances for your employees takes time and money, and there’s no guarantee they’ll be approved. This can create a chicken-and-egg problem where you need cleared employees to win contracts, but you need contracts to justify the clearance costs.
My advice? Start with contracts that don’t require clearances, then gradually move into cleared work as your business grows and you can afford the investment. Don’t try to tackle everything at once.
The Competition Reality
Peterson SFB opportunities attract competition from across the country. You’re not just competing against other Colorado Springs businesses – you’re up against established government contractors from Virginia, California, and everywhere else.
Your advantage as a local business is responsiveness and relationship-building. You can be on-site quickly, you understand the local market, and you can build face-to-face relationships. Play to these strengths in your proposals and marketing efforts.
The Commercial Sponsorship Alternative
Here’s something most businesses don’t know about: Peterson Space Force Base’s Commercial Sponsorship Program. This isn’t contracting – it’s a way to partner with the base’s Morale, Welfare, and Recreational activities while building brand recognition within the military community.
Think of it as marketing that actually helps the base community. You might sponsor a base fun run, support family events, or contribute to recreational facilities. It’s a great way to get your business name in front of thousands of military personnel and their families.
The ROI on sponsorship activities can be excellent, especially for businesses that serve consumers rather than just other businesses. Military families need cars, insurance, restaurants, retail services, and everything else that civilians need.
Building Your Online Presence for Government Contracting
Here’s something Ican’t stress enough: your online presence matters more in government contracting than you might think. Contracting officers research potential vendors online, and they’re looking for signs of professionalism, stability, and credibility.
Your website needs to clearly explain what your business does, showcase your experience and capabilities, and provide easy ways to contact you. If you’re serious about Peterson SFB opportunities, you need professional local SEO that helps government personnel find and evaluate your business online.
Don’t underestimate the importance of Google Maps optimization either. When someone searches for your type of business in Colorado Springs, you want to show up prominently with positive reviews and complete business information.
Market Trends That Are Changing Everything
The space industry is exploding right now, and Peterson Space Force Base is at the center of it all. The commercial space sector is expected to reach $737 billion by 2030, and much of the military space activity is coordinated through Peterson SFB.
This growth is creating opportunities that didn’t exist even five years ago. Cybersecurity for space systems, specialized manufacturing for space components, data analytics for satellite operations – these are entirely new markets that are growing rapidly.
But here’s what’s really interesting: the base is also dealing with very traditional problems. They need more office space, better IT infrastructure, and all the basic services that any growing organization requires. The high-tech mission creates opportunities for both cutting-edge technology companies and traditional service providers.
Your Action Plan for 2025
If you’re serious about pursuing Peterson Space Force Base business opportunities, here’s what you need to do right now:
This Month
- Get your SAM registration started (this takes 2-4 weeks, so don’t delay!)
- Contact the Space Base Delta 1 Small Business Office to introduce your company
- Review your online presence and make sure it looks professional
- Research your NAICS codes and understand which contract categories fit your business
Next Three Months
- Attend base networking events and small business outreach sessions
- Start following contract opportunities on the Space Operations Command forecast
- Build relationships with other contractors who might need subcontractors
- Consider the Commercial Sponsorship Program for brand building
Ongoing
- Monitor contract opportunities consistently
- Build your proposal-writing capabilities
- Maintain your registrations and certifications
- Continue networking within the defense contractor community
The Bottom Line
Peterson Space Force Base represents a massive business opportunity for Colorado Springs companies, but it’s not a get-rich-quick scheme. Success requires patience, professionalism, and persistence. The businesses that succeed are the ones that treat government contracting as a serious business development strategy, not a side project.
If you’re ready to invest the time and effort required, the opportunities are real and substantial. The base is growing, the mission is expanding, and they need reliable local partners to help them succeed.
Whether you’re a service provider, manufacturer, or consultant, there’s likely a place for your business in the Peterson SFB ecosystem. The key is understanding the process, building the right relationships, and positioning yourself professionally from day one.
Ready to explore how your business can take advantage of these opportunities? Check out our professional services profile to see how we help Colorado Springs businesses build the kind of online presence that wins government contracts. Or give us a call at 719-639-8238 to discuss your specific situation.
The opportunities are there – the question is whether you’re ready to pursue them professionally and persistently. Peterson Space Force Base is looking for reliable partners, and with the right approach, your business could be one of them.
