Cheryl L Jones

Cheryl Jones serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she plays a critical role in acquiring advanced systems that enhance the nation’s layered ballistic missile defense capabilities. She manages the full lifecycle of complex procurements—from market research and solicitation to contract award and administration—focusing on integration of sensor networks, interceptors, and command-and-control architectures. Her portfolio supports MDA’s mission to develop and field next-generation missile defense technologies across all phases of flight, with particular emphasis on midcourse and terminal-phase interception systems. Jones ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contract strategies with national security priorities and technological innovation goals. Jones maintains longstanding relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with these industry leaders to deliver high-performance defense systems. She also engages Jacobs Technology Inc. for engineering and technical services critical to system integration and testing. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and technical rigor, fostering collaborative partnerships that prioritize mission readiness and operational effectiveness. She frequently works with vendors possessing deep expertise in guidance systems, radar modernization, and missile defense architecture integration. A strong advocate for socioeconomic diversity in defense contracting, Jones consistently prioritizes small business participation, with nearly half of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She also actively utilizes HUBZone set-asides, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for businesses in economically distressed areas. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a balanced approach—supporting both large defense primes and small, innovative firms to ensure a resilient and competitive supplier base. Her primary NAICS focus areas include industrial machinery and equipment wholesale (423830) and professional organizations (813920), indicating procurement of specialized defense components and technical advisory services. She also procures industrial supplies and niche support services such as locksmithing for secure facility operations, reflecting the diverse, mission-critical nature of MDA’s operational infrastructure. Jones brings technical acumen to procurement decisions, ensuring alignment with advanced missile defense systems and integrated defense architectures.