Dakar R. Shillingford

Dakar R. Shillingford serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where he plays a critical role in acquiring advanced missile defense systems and supporting research and development initiatives. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex defense acquisitions, he ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing MDA’s mission to develop layered, integrated defenses against ballistic missile threats. His portfolio primarily encompasses high-technology contracts for guided weapon systems, sensor modernization, and mission-critical engineering services, often involving cutting-edge aerospace and defense technologies requiring rigorous testing and systems integration. Shillingford maintains longstanding relationships with industry leaders including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with these prime contractors to deliver next-generation interceptors, radar systems, and command-and-control architectures. He also collaborates with Jacobs Technology Inc. for technical support and systems engineering services. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and technical innovation, fostering collaborative partnerships with vendors capable of meeting stringent national security requirements. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging the broadest possible industrial base to meet mission-critical capabilities, rather than targeting specific socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. Shillingford’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), reflecting his emphasis on advanced R&D for missile defense technologies. He also regularly procures under NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and NAICS 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair), underscoring his expertise in both developmental and sustainment-phase acquisitions across the missile defense lifecycle.