Cindy Nakayama

Cindy Nakayama serves as a key procurement professional within the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), supporting the acquisition of secure, interoperable information systems critical to global military operations. She plays a central role in executing contracts that enable command and control, cyber-enabled decision-making, and resilient communications infrastructure across all domains. Her portfolio encompasses mission-critical IT modernization efforts, including secure network infrastructure, high-bandwidth connectivity solutions, and enterprise software platforms designed for classified and unclassified environments. Nakayama’s work directly advances DISA’s strategic imperatives to sustain global information superiority and ensure seamless interoperability among joint and coalition forces. Her contractor relationships span a broad spectrum of defense technology providers, including prime contractors with deep expertise in cybersecurity, cloud migration, and mission-critical systems integration. She collaborates closely with vendors possessing DoD CMMC compliance, FISMA certification, and NSA-approved technologies, ensuring acquisitions meet stringent security and performance standards. Nakayama fosters long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering end-to-end solutions—from hardware and software procurement to lifecycle support and continuous monitoring—often requiring agile development and DevSecOps capabilities. Nakayama’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions issued without set-aside designations. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic categorization, though she remains compliant with all federal small business participation requirements. Her approach prioritizes performance, innovation, and system resilience, ensuring that procurement decisions align with DISA’s operational tempo and cybersecurity imperatives. Her technical domain expertise centers on defense information systems, with a focus on network modernization, secure cloud environments, zero-trust architecture, and mission assurance platforms. She routinely procures solutions in areas such as enterprise identity management, encrypted communications, and automated cyber defense systems, making her a pivotal figure in securing the DoD’s digital battlefield.