What PM13 Defense Solutions does

PM13 Defense Solutions, LLC is a veteran-led defense consulting firm founded in 2012 that operates as a "bridge" for technology companies seeking to enter U.S. Department of War (DoW) and Department of Defense acquisition channels. The company provides acquisition lifecycle pathfinding, market assessment, mission analysis, and business development services using a sales-led motion combined with a 30+ preferred partner network spanning autonomy, digital engineering, advanced manufacturing, combat capabilities, health/safety, and tactical media verticals. Its leadership comprises retired senior military officers (Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels from the U.S. Army and Marine Corps) with over a century of combined experience in defense acquisition, lethality, tactical communications, and ground combat systems.

The firm operates three wholly-owned subsidiaries—PM13 Tactical (bespoke tactical apparel using proprietary ActionTX abrasion-, cut-, and slash-resistant fabric composite), PM13 Lighting (ultra-low-profile LED lighting systems including the FPL-8/48 Flat Panel Light and Low Profile Light for military shelters and vehicles), and Frontline Lighting (MFLEX tactical lighting). The company also serves as a distribution and introduction channel for partner technologies including KWESST's Battlefield Laser Detection System, Vorbeck's graphene materials, Boresight Targets' swarming aerial drones, and KeriCure Medical's nanopolymer wound care.

Revenue is generated through four streams: professional services consulting fees, PM13 Tactical product sales (price points $80–$880 per item via e-commerce), lighting system sales (quote-based), and partnership facilitation/referral arrangements. The customer base consists primarily of small-to-mid-cap defense technology vendors seeking DoW market access, with ultimate end-users in U.S. Army and Marine Corps units. The company maintains a distributed operating footprint across 10 U.S. states with primary contact routed through [email protected].

Name

PM13 Defense Solutions

Legal name

PM13 Defense Solutions, LLC

Website

https://pm13defensesolutions.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2012

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

PM13 Defense Solutions is a veteran-led defense consulting firm that helps technology companies navigate Department of War and DoD acquisition channels. Founded in 2012, the firm operates PM13 Tactical, PM13 Lighting, and Frontline Lighting subsidiaries alongside a 30+ partner ecosystem.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense Industry Consulting

akta.pro primary industry

Defense Acquisition, Procurement & Contracting (BPAIAHAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autonomous Defense Systems (AI/ML, Swarming, MUM-T) (IMABAOAI), C4ISR Systems & Tactical Data Links (IMABAGAE)

Keywords

• Defense acquisition consulting
• Military market assessment
• Defense business development
• Acquisition lifecycle pathfinding
• Tactical product distribution

Headquarters

HQ city

Burnt Hills

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Operations, Supply Chain, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Defense Industry Consulting Services: PM13 provides consulting services to companies seeking to do business with the Department of War/DoD, including market assessment, mission analysis, business development, and strategic pathfinding through the DoD acquisition maze. Revenue is generated through professional service fees for strategy development, market entry advisory, and acquisition navigation.
2. PM13 Tactical Product Sales: PM13 Tactical manufactures, wholesales, and retails bespoke tactical clothing and gear including Ghost Rigs, tactical jackets, combat dresses, body cover dresses, face masks, and chest harnesses. Products are sold through the company's e-commerce storefront with price points ranging from $80 to $880 per item.
3. PM13 Lighting / Frontline Lighting: Sale of specialized LED lighting systems (Flat Panel Lights, Low Profile Lights, MFLEX systems) for military vehicles and shelters. Sold as turnkey lighting solutions targeting military units and defense contractors.
4. Partnership Facilitation and Referrals: PM13 facilitates introductions and strategic partnerships between technology companies and the DoW, potentially generating revenue through partnership facilitation fees, referral arrangements, and grant/funding assistance for clients seeking to enter the defense market.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

PM13 Defense Solutions is a defense-industry consulting firm that provides market assessment, mission analysis, business development, acquisition-lifecycle pathfinding, and introductions for companies seeking to enter Department of War and Department of Defense acquisition channels. It also develops, manufactures, or distributes tactical apparel, protective equipment, and military vehicle and shelter lighting products.

Product overview

PM13 Defense Solutions operates as a defense industry consulting firm and product company with two main divisions: consulting services and product offerings. The consulting division provides acquisition lifecycle pathfinding, business development, and market assessment for companies seeking to enter Department of War and Federal Government acquisition channels. The product division includes PM13 Lighting (LED lighting systems for military vehicles and shelters including the FPL-8/48 Flat Panel Light and Low Profile Light), PM13 Tactical (tactical textiles and gear featuring proprietary ActionTX fabric technology, including Ghost Rigs, tactical apparel, and customizable clothing), and Frontline Lighting (MFLEX tactical lighting). Additionally, PM13 serves as a preferred partner aggregator connecting clients with specialized defense technology providers including KWESST (laser detection), Corvid (computational physics), ATSE (electric motors), KeriCure Medical (wound care), and Petersen (fabrication services).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• PM13 Tactical: Manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of bespoke tactical clothing and gear including Ghost Rigs, Custom Designs, and Apparel
• PM13 Lighting
• Frontline Lighting

Products and services

• DoD Starter Kit seminar A customized starter seminar on Department of Defense acquisition topics, offered on-site or virtually and without a long-term obligation.
• PM13 Defense Consulting Services Acquisition lifecycle pathfinding, market assessment, mission analysis, capability and strategy development, and business development for companies seeking access to Department of War and federal government acquisition channels.
• PM13 Lighting - Flat Panel Light (FPL-8/48) An ultra-low-profile LED lighting system measuring 8 inches by 48 inches by approximately 3/8 inch, delivering 5,000 lumens with a 50,000-hour rated life for permanent ceiling mounting in rigid wall shelters.
• PM13 Lighting - Low Profile Light (LPL) A mounted shelter-lighting system measuring 914.4 mm by 50.8 mm by 6.1 mm, designed to provide 325 to 1,500 lux at desktop height in simulated S-788 shelter environments.
• Frontline Lighting - MFLEX
• Stealth Ops Ghost Rig (Modular Tactical Chest Harness) A lightweight modular tactical chest harness with quick-access magazine pouches and MOLLE compatibility for covert missions and configurable equipment carry.
• Shadow Veil Tactical Body Cover Dress
• Elite Combat Fighter Dress with Helmet Set
• Warrior's Command Tactical Jacket
• Tactical Mastery Clothing Kit
• Warrior Shield Tactical Face Mask
• Corvid Computational Physics Services
• ATSE Electric Motors and Generators
• KWESST Battlefield Laser Detection System (BLDS)
• Field Shield by KeriCure Medical
• Petersen Fabrication and Machining

Quantifiable outcome

• PM13 has facilitated the introduction of multiple defense technology companies into DoW acquisition channels, including KWESST Microsystems as a new client and various lighting, textile, and wound care technologies through its preferred partner network.

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

23 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Boresight TargetscoreTechnology or IntegrationBoresight specializes in innovative aerial target drones with swarming capabilities for Counter-small Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-sUAS) training. PM13 facilitates their market access to DoW through introductions and business development support.
• RAIDER TargetrycoreTechnology or IntegrationRAIDER equips maneuver unit commanders and range staff with infinite live-fire training scenario options through a proven, cost-effective, and adaptable targetry ecosystem, enhancing training outcomes across all ammunition types and engagement methods.
• SVT RoboticscoreTechnology or IntegrationSVT enables the DoW to swiftly integrate their systems with disparate capabilities without the usual headaches and delays. Their SOFTBOT Platform revolutionizes automation and gives speed and flexibility to adapt at the speed of war.
• SwancoreTechnology or IntegrationSwan delivers scalable autonomous products for defense and industry, enabling UAVs to autonomously navigate and map in GPS-denied conditions with minimal EM emissions.
• W8lesscoreTechnology or IntegrationW8less combines microPNT, autonomy, and air-ground teaming that can be scaled to enable robotics and humans to work seamlessly together.
• IMI SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationIMI designs, upgrades, produces and provides full combat solutions, training and services, fully responding to specific customer needs of survivability & protection, fire power and mobility of its systems.
• KWESST Micro SystemscoreTechnology or IntegrationKWESST specializes in advanced laser warning systems (BLDS - Battlefield Laser Detection System) and seamless digital information integration tailored for Command and Control and digital fires applications, ensuring enhanced situational awareness and precision targeting capabilities. PM13 announced KWESST as a new client in January 2024.
• VorbeckcoreTechnology or IntegrationVorbeck manufactures its own graphene materials (Vor-x®), conductive inks (Vor-ink™), and high-performance electronic components for advanced defense applications.
• Defience Systems, Inc.coreTechnology or IntegrationDefience Systems specializes in the design and production of highly efficient, rugged, reliable, and safe tactical systems capable of forming mesh power networks based on a modular open power system architecture. Brigadier General (R) Jim Blackburn serves as Board Director for Defience Systems.
• GS EngineeringcoreTechnology or IntegrationGS Engineering delivers innovative design, detailed analysis, advanced product development, instrumented field testing, and strategic technology insertion to meet diverse industry challenges.
• Corvid TechnologiescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCorvid leverages high-fidelity computational physics solvers, a massively parallel supercomputer system, prototyping plant, and ballistics and mechanics lab to provide end-to-end solutions including concept development, design and optimization, prototype build, test and manufacture for defense applications.
• STC (Arcfield Company)coreTechnology or IntegrationSTC is renowned for its expertise in model-based systems engineering (MBSE), specializing in integrating advanced digital engineering solutions from conceptual design to implementation, enhancing organizational performance and driving innovation.
• KeriCure MedicalcoreTechnology or IntegrationKeriCure Medical delivers advanced nanopolymer skin and wound care solutions designed for military readiness, facilitating natural healing by creating a protective, moisturized environment free from harsh chemicals. Products include Field Shield® for TCCC and prolonged field care. Founded 2011, Woman-Owned Small Business.
• Petersen, Inc. (Precinmac Company)coreTechnology or IntegrationPetersen excels in advanced fabrication and precision machining, offering end-to-end solutions for diverse industries including aerospace, defense, and nuclear. Three facilities across Utah and Idaho provide complete fabrication, advanced manufacturing and machining services.
• INTEGRIS CompositescoreTechnology or IntegrationINTEGRIS specializes in the design, development, and production of innovative composite armor solutions, setting industry standards for modern defense and law enforcement protection against diverse threats.
• Wittenstein Motion ControlscoreTechnology or IntegrationWITTENSTEIN develops customized products, systems and solutions for highly dynamic motion control, maximum-precision positioning and smart networking for mechatronic drive technology. Featured in case studies advancing patient care and aerospace precision applications.
• FAMAEROcoreTechnology or IntegrationFamAero revolutionizes aerospace manufacturing with Sciaky's Electron Beam Additive Manufacturing (EBAM) 3D technology enabling rapid, cost-effective production of large, high-quality metal parts and prototypes for aerospace and defense.
• HIGH COUNTRY GLOBAL SOLUTIONS (HCGS)minorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHCGS is committed to providing the highest quality of project management services through clear project scope and schedule, on-time execution of project tasks and deliverables, and ensuring high customer satisfaction across all projects.
• ATSE, LLCcoreTechnology or IntegrationATSE, LLC specializes in the design of high-performance electric motors, generators, and drives. Applications include renewable energy systems, industrial machines, marine propulsion, and defense technology. Expert team in power electronics, electromagnetics, embedded electronics and software, and mechanical design.
• SAINT GOBAINcoreTechnology or IntegrationSaint-Gobain designs, manufactures, and distributes materials and solutions for well-being, quality of life and performance in construction, mobility, and industrial sectors. Their ceramic armor protects military and law enforcement personnel in North America and around the world.
• Gyrene EngineeringcoreTechnology or IntegrationGyrene Engineering Management specializes in engineering innovative water and power solutions for medical and humanitarian teams, forward-deployed operators, remote location specialists and off-grid communities around the world.
• Frontline LightingcoreTechnology or IntegrationFrontline Lighting, led by CEO Patrick Maloney, is a subsidiary specializing in next-generation tactical lighting (MFLEX system) for military vehicles and shelters. The company participated in technology demonstrations at Camp LeJeune, NC in January 2024.
• PM13 Tactical (subsidiary)coreOEM/ Whitelabel/ Licensing PartnerPM13 Tactical is a manufacturer, wholesaler and retailer of bespoke tactical clothing and gear, a subsidiary of PM13 Defense Solutions led by CEO Patrick Maloney. Products use ActionTX™ proprietary fabric technology and include Ghost Rigs, tactical jackets, combat dresses, and body armor accessories.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves5 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Booz Allen Hamilton: Largest U.S. defense and intelligence consulting firm with broad DoD/IC advisory practice. Comparable as a defense consulting/strategy services provider to government clients, though vastly larger and broader in scope than PM13's specialized pathfinding focus.
• SAIC: Major federal IT and defense services integrator offering acquisition, engineering, and mission support to DoD. Comparable as a DoD-focused services firm, though much larger and more diversified than PM13's niche consulting-plus-products model.
• CACI International: Defense and intelligence services company providing acquisition, C4ISR, and mission solutions to DoW. Comparable in target customer and defense-services orientation, though operating at prime-contractor scale.

Direct peers

• The Roosevelt Group: Boutique defense and national security advisory firm founded by former senior DoD officials, helping defense tech companies navigate federal acquisition. Closely comparable to PM13 in talent profile (retired senior officers), client base (innovative defense-tech firms), and service offering (acquisition pathfinding and BD).
• Cypress International: Boutique defense consulting firm specializing in federal business development, capture management, and government relations for defense contractors. Comparable in size, target client (defense tech companies entering DoD), and consulting service mix to PM13.
• Hinge Global (now part of Vectrus): Defense and federal advisory firm focused on helping technology companies enter DoD markets. Comparable in business model — boutique consulting bridge between commercial tech firms and DoD — though now operating within a larger prime.
• Pallas Advisors: Boutique national security advisory firm staffed by former senior DoD/government leaders providing strategy and acquisition advisory to defense tech clients. Comparable in scale, talent (retired senior officers), and consulting focus to PM13.
• 5.11 Tactical: Leading manufacturer and retailer of tactical apparel, footwear, and gear sold to military, law enforcement, and first responders. Comparable as a direct competitor to PM13 Tactical's bespoke tactical clothing line, though operating at vastly greater scale and brand recognition.
• Streamlight: Established manufacturer of high-performance portable lighting tools for military, law enforcement, and tactical markets. Comparable to PM13 Lighting and Frontline Lighting as a competitor in the military/tactical illumination category.

Emerging players

• Govini: Defense market intelligence and BD platform serving defense tech companies and government contractors. Adjacent peer in helping innovative companies navigate DoD, though differentiated by software/data product rather than consulting-led relationships.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PM13_Defense
• Facebookfacebook.com/profile.php?id=100088362978923
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/pm13-defense-solutions

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about PM13 Defense Solutions