Archive profile summary
Federal department responsible for national defense and a major government purchaser of private software, launch, communications and security services documented throughout this archive.
Why this entry is in the archive
A government endpoint for documented technology-contracting relationships in the archive.
Procurement role
The Defense Department relies on private contractors for technologies and services ranging from software to launch systems and logistics.
Archive examples
The site separately documents Palantir’s Maven-related contract work and the broader private-security contracting environment that expanded during the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.
Evidence limits
A government contract is evidence of procurement, not of political control by the contractor or endorsement of every corporate activity.
Timeline
- Private security becomes major Iraq capacity
U.S. agencies and reconstruction contractors increasingly rely on private security providers for protective details, convoy security and other high-risk work.
- Palantir's Maven contract expands
The Defense Department announces a $795 million contract modification for Palantir's Maven Smart System software licenses.
Relationship records
Palantir Technologies → U.S. Department of Defense
Defense Department awarded a $795 million 2025 Maven Smart System contract modification · 2025
Evidence status: documented