Cheryl Wetzel

Cheryl Wetzel serves as a Contract Specialist within the Strategic Systems Programs (N00030) of the Department of the Navy, where she plays a critical role in managing the acquisition lifecycle for the nation’s sea-based strategic deterrent systems. She oversees complex procurements spanning systems engineering, test and evaluation, and integration of submarine-launched ballistic missile systems and associated command, control, and communication infrastructure. Her work ensures the reliability, security, and operational readiness of nuclear deterrent capabilities through disciplined application of FAR and DFARS regulations, with a focus on high-stakes, mission-critical contracts requiring rigorous technical oversight and risk mitigation. Cheryl routinely collaborates with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., and JRC Integrated Systems, LLC. These partnerships are characterized by long-term, performance-based agreements centered on advanced defense technologies, systems integration, and engineering support services. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical proficiency, schedule integrity, and contractor accountability in environments where precision and national security are paramount. Her procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 97% of awards issued without set-aside designations. While small business participation is limited to approximately 3%, it is consistently directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, indicating a measured but intentional effort to include qualified small entities without compromising mission-critical performance requirements. Cheryl’s primary technical focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), which accounts for nearly 70% of her acquisitions, followed by 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, and Guidance Systems Manufacturing). She specializes in procuring advanced missile systems components, avionics, guidance hardware, and systems-level consulting services, demonstrating deep expertise in nuclear deterrence technology domains and defense systems engineering.