Steve Cassidy, founder of EOD Gear, has been named the 2026 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for the State of Tennessee. This recognition reflects leadership in advanced manufacturing, defense innovation, and continued support to Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), Special Operations, and public safety professionals.
EOD Gear is headquartered in Franklin, Tennessee, with a growing operational presence in Huntsville, Alabama just outside Redstone Arsenal Gate 9, positioning the company to directly support the defense and aerospace ecosystem.
Authority Statement
EOD Gear is a U.S.-based manufacturer (CAGE Code: 6VW15) operating under ISO 9001 quality standards, ITAR registration, and ATF Federal Firearms and Explosives Licenses. As an SBA-certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and GSA contract holder, EOD Gear provides government and defense partners with a direct procurement path to American-made, mission-driven equipment.
Most companies resell gear. We manufacture it.
What This Means for Government and Defense Buyers
This recognition is not symbolic—it reflects capability, execution, and trust in real-world environments.
Working with EOD Gear provides:
Proven leadership recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration
Reduced procurement risk through a vetted SDVOSB manufacturer
Direct access to in-house manufacturing and quality control
Faster deployment timelines through integrated design and production
New COTS – Custom Off The Shelf™
Traditional Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS) solutions force compromise. EOD Gear’s New COTS – Custom Off The Shelf™ model delivers mission-specific capability built on proven platforms.
This approach bridges the gap between standard products and full custom development—providing speed, adaptability, and performance where it matters most.
Manufacturing Capabilities
EOD Gear manufactures in-house to maintain control, speed, and quality:
CNC Milling and Turning (Mill and Lathe) for precision components
Additive Manufacturing for rapid prototyping and production
Laser Engraving and Custom Kitting
ISO 9001-certified quality management system
Leadership Perspective
“This recognition reflects the team and the community behind us—from the U.S. Navy EOD Techs who set the standard before us to the operators we support today. We build for real-world conditions.”
Strategic Presence
With headquarters in Franklin, Tennessee and an expanding footprint in Huntsville, Alabama, EOD Gear is positioned to support Department of Defense, federal agencies, and prime contractors with rapid, scalable manufacturing aligned to mission requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBA Small Business Person of the Year award?
The SBA Small Business Person of the Year award recognizes outstanding small business leaders for their growth, innovation, and impact within their industry and community.
Why work with an SDVOSB manufacturer?
An SBA-certified SDVOSB allows government agencies to meet contracting goals while working directly with a proven, veteran-led manufacturer.
What is Custom Off The Shelf™ (COTS)?
Custom Off The Shelf™ is EOD Gear’s approach to rapidly delivering mission-specific solutions built from proven designs, reducing development time while maintaining flexibility.
What manufacturing capabilities does EOD Gear offer?
EOD Gear provides in-house CNC machining, additive manufacturing, laser engraving, and custom kitting under an ISO 9001 quality system.
How can government agencies purchase from EOD Gear?
EOD Gear is a GSA contract holder and SDVOSB manufacturer, enabling streamlined procurement through federal contracting channels.