Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley are where a large share of Southern California’s aerospace components are actually made: actuators, valves, fluid controls, fasteners, machined structures and electronics. The Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation reports that aerospace and defense employment there has doubled since its 2020 low, with average pay around $101,000. GERC gets these manufacturers and their suppliers registered, certified, CMMC-ready and bidding.
Who makes what here
The SCVEDC lists the valley’s larger aerospace and defense employers as:
- Woodward HRT (about 710 people): motion control systems and actuators.
- ITT Aerospace Controls (about 360): flow control valves and environmental systems.
- ASC Process Systems (about 294): aerospace autoclaves and curing equipment.
- Aerospace Dynamics International and B&B Manufacturing (about 238 and 235): machined aircraft structures and complex assemblies.
- Crissair (about 216): precision fluid control components.
The SCVEDC also names Curtiss-Wright, PPG Aerospace and Nycote Laboratories among the valley’s significant employers. Across the Valley, Northrop Grumman’s Woodland Hills site works on navigation systems, and L3Harris has operations in Canoga Park. The Aerospace Defense Forum runs a monthly Santa Clarita Valley chapter at College of the Canyons.
Where smaller firms get in
Many of these companies are themselves suppliers to the large primes, and they buy from smaller shops beneath them. That makes this a layered supply chain, and every layer is asked the same questions: are you registered, what is your CAGE code, what quality system do you run, and what is your SPRS score?
- Direct parts sales. Machine shops and distributors can quote Defense Logistics Agency parts through DLA DIBBS, with JCP certification for controlled drawings.
- Subcontracts. Supplier onboarding with primes and Tier 1s, which starts with SAM.gov and a CAGE code.
- Research funding. Firms with their own technology can pursue SBIR and STTR awards.
Why cyber compliance comes first
- NIST SP 800-171 is the foundation. A System Security Plan and a POA&M documenting your gaps, with a score submitted to SPRS.
- It reaches every tier. If you see drawings, specifications or program data, the requirement flows down to you.
- It takes months, not weeks. See our NIST 800-171 and CMMC readiness page.
What we do for Santa Clarita and Valley firms
- Readiness review. Where you stand on registrations, certifications and cyber, and the order to fix them in.
- Registration. SAM.gov, UEI and entity validation, CAGE code and DLA DIBBS.
- Certification. SB, SB-PW, DVBE, 8(a) and HUBZone where you qualify, plus California SB for state work.
- Bidding. A capability statement written for defense buyers, then proposals.
We serve Santa Clarita, Valencia, Saugus, Newhall, Canyon Country, Sylmar, San Fernando, Chatsworth, Northridge, Canoga Park, Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Van Nuys and Burbank.
Common questions
We are a machine shop in Valencia. Can we sell directly to the Department of Defense?
Yes, through DLA DIBBS, the Defense Logistics Agency’s parts buying system. You need an active SAM.gov registration and a CAGE code, and JCP certification if you want access to controlled technical drawings.
Our customers are Tier 1 suppliers, not the government. Do we still need SAM.gov?
Often, yes. Many primes and Tier 1s require it to onboard suppliers on government programs, and it is required for any direct federal contract. Registration itself is free.
Does CMMC apply to lower-tier suppliers?
Yes, where the work involves Federal Contract Information or Controlled Unclassified Information. The requirement flows down through each tier, so a shop machining to a controlled drawing is in scope.
Is there free help in the Valley?
Yes. The Los Angeles County APEX Accelerator offers free government contracting counseling, and the Small Business Development Center at College of the Canyons serves the Santa Clarita, San Fernando and Antelope Valleys. We work alongside them when a firm needs the documents prepared and filed.
Do you meet in person?
When it helps. We are based in San Bernardino and travel for kickoffs, proposal reviews and board presentations. Most of the work runs remotely.
Schedule a Consultation
- Call (909) 454-7076 — the fastest route. Monday to Friday.
- Book a consultation — pick a time that suits you.
- Email us about Santa Clarita and the San Fernando Valley — opens a message already titled, so it reaches the right person.
If you only want to know whether you need this at all, ask. There is no charge for that conversation.
GERC is a woman-led advisory firm led by Dr. Shirley Ayangbah, a PhD legal economist with more than 14 years of experience. Registered in SAM.gov under CAGE code 11SD2, certified as a California Small Business (Micro) and for Public Works. NAICS 541611, 541618 and 541690.