Ava K Epps

Ava K. Epps serves as a key procurement professional within the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA), supporting the agency’s mission to deliver timely, accurate geospatial intelligence for national security and defense operations. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions focused on advanced geospatial technologies, data infrastructure modernization, and analytical systems, ensuring alignment with DoD standards and mission-critical requirements. Her work encompasses the full lifecycle of contract execution—from requirements definition to award and administration—primarily supporting technical and operational domains critical to NGA’s intelligence production cycle. Epps maintains a strong working relationship with ECS Federal, LLC, a trusted contractor providing specialized geospatial analytics, software development, and systems integration services. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in defense-grade geospatial platforms, while also fostering collaborative partnerships with firms capable of rapid prototyping and scalable deployment of mission-critical tools. These relationships are characterized by sustained engagement, performance-based contract structures, and a focus on innovation in intelligence delivery. Her contracting approach prioritizes small business participation, with over 63% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This consistent emphasis underscores a strategic commitment to expanding the vendor base and empowering economically disadvantaged firms, aligning with broader DoD socioeconomic goals. While no other specific set-aside categories dominate, her portfolio reflects a deliberate effort to integrate diverse small business capabilities into high-impact technical programs. Epps primarily procures under NAICS 423430 for commercial-off-the-shelf computer hardware and software distribution, 561110 for administrative and technical support services, and 334511/334513 for specialized sensors, navigation systems, and industrial instrumentation. Her technical domain expertise centers on geospatial data acquisition, processing, and visualization systems, with recurring needs for secure, interoperable platforms that support real-time intelligence analysis and battlefield situational awareness.