Darlene Smith

Darlene Smith serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), headquartered under HQ0796, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the nation’s layered missile defense architecture through strategic acquisitions. She manages the full lifecycle of complex contracts for advanced defense systems, including research, development, testing, and integration of next-generation sensors, space-based tracking layers, and command and control technologies. Her portfolio emphasizes mission-critical procurements aligned with MDA’s mandate to counter evolving ballistic missile threats, ensuring timely delivery of technologically sophisticated capabilities to operational forces. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Smith cultivates partnerships with a broad spectrum of defense industry stakeholders, including prime contractors with deep expertise in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and advanced manufacturing. Her procurement approach prioritizes technical excellence, performance-based outcomes, and long-term sustainment, fostering collaborative relationships with vendors capable of delivering high-assurance, mission-ready solutions under stringent DoD compliance standards. Smith’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” This indicates a focus on selecting the most technically qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status, consistent with the high-stakes, non-redundant nature of missile defense systems. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through set-asides, she adheres to all statutory requirements and may facilitate subcontracting opportunities as part of prime contract performance plans. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing) and 541712 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), underscoring her specialization in the design and fabrication of novel defense hardware and cutting-edge R&D for sensor modernization, materials science, and integrated defense architectures. She operates at the intersection of engineering innovation and acquisition policy, ensuring that emerging technologies are rapidly transitioned into operational capability.