According to GSA guidelines, contractors must complete and maintain an active SAM.gov registration, list relevant NAICS codes (336414, 488190, 334511 as examples), and populate Representations and Certifications (Reps & Certs) at least 90 days before proposal submissions; suppliers should budget $10,000–$150,000 for compliance actions such as CMMC readiness and ITAR/EAR controls. This paragraph provides the practical entry requirements for suppliers targeting Boeing E‑7A modification and sustainment subcontracts: register in SAM.gov, validate size standards under FAR Part 19, identify applicable socio-economic preferences (SDVOSB, 8(a), HUBZone, WOSB), and ensure corporate policies align with DFARS clauses for controlled unclassified information. The Air Force announced a $2.6 billion E‑7A agreement in March 2026, so primes and subs must accelerate vendor qualification to match Boeing’s supplier readiness windows. For suppliers focused on avionics, radar, sustainment spares, or MRO modifications, the combination of SAM, FAR compliance, and DoD cyber requirements creates the baseline gate to bid or be subcontracted on follow‑on modifications and sustainment task orders.