What it is

AFCEA International is a member-based 501(c)(6) nonprofit that offers a forum for the ethical exchange of information among military, government, industry and academia, focused on IT, communications and electronics for the defense, homeland security and intelligence communities. It officially formed in 1946. Its International Office is at 4114 Legato Road in Fairfax, Virginia. AFCEA reports about 30,000 individual members, 1,700 corporate members and 140 chapters worldwide.

What it offers founders

AFCEA is mainly a networking and market access organization for companies selling technology to defense and intelligence customers. Relevant offerings include:

  • Events: TechNet conferences, symposia and forums, such as the Annual Data Forum in Alexandria, Virginia and the Spring Intelligence Symposium at NGA in Springfield, Virginia.
  • Small Business program: networking, matchmaking with government primes, a Small Business Committee, member small business rates at some large events for companies with 49 or fewer employees, and small business awards.
  • Small Business Center of Excellence Mentor-Protege Program: an informal mentorship program for AFCEA corporate member companies.
  • Online Corporate Directory: members can list products, services, NAICS codes, small business classifications and contract vehicles.
  • SIGNAL Media: the association's publication, sent monthly to members.
  • Emerging Leaders: a program for members under 40.

Membership and pricing

Individual membership is open to public and private sector professionals. Rates effective January 1, 2024 are 75 dollars for a one-year traditional membership, 50 dollars for military or government, 180 dollars for three years, 15 dollars for academic and 1,500 dollars for life membership. Corporate membership rates are set by number of employees, with levels including Consultant, Small, Medium, Large and Sustaining. Dues are non-refundable. See the membership page for details and the application.

How to engage

A founder can start by joining as an individual and attending a local chapter. Chapters can be found through the chapter search linked from the membership page. Companies ready to pursue federal work can review the small business page and the events calendar, where small business rates and matchmaking sessions are noted.

Why it matters in the DMV ecosystem

Defense, intelligence and federal IT are major markets for DMV startups. With its headquarters in Fairfax and events in Northern Virginia such as the Annual Data Forum and Spring Intelligence Symposium, AFCEA is one of the places where technology vendors, primes and government technologists meet. More background is on the About AFCEA page.