Deborah J Al-Baaj

Deborah J. Al-Baaj serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to develop, test, and integrate advanced missile defense systems. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions for research and development initiatives, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning contract execution with strategic defense priorities. Her portfolio primarily encompasses high-technology engineering services, systems integration, and sensor modernization efforts critical to sustaining the nation’s layered ballistic missile defense architecture. She works closely with technical stakeholders to define requirements, structure solicitation strategies, and negotiate performance-based contracts that deliver mission-critical capabilities on schedule. While specific contractor names are not publicly identifiable in available records, Ms. Al-Baaj engages with a broad spectrum of defense contractors and research institutions specializing in aerospace, defense systems engineering, and advanced sensor technologies. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established prime contractors with proven expertise in DoD systems development, often partnering with firms possessing top-secret clearances and experience in classified program environments. She facilitates collaborative procurement models that encourage innovation through performance incentives and risk-sharing arrangements. Ms. Al-Baaj’s procurement activities reflect a 100% focus on unrestricted acquisitions, with no use of socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. This reflects the highly specialized, technically demanding nature of missile defense R&D, where qualifications often require deep domain expertise, advanced security clearances, and infrastructure beyond the typical small business capacity. Her primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology). She routinely procures advanced modeling and simulation services, radar and infrared sensor development, space-based tracking architecture support, and command and control system integration, demonstrating deep technical fluency in missile defense systems engineering and next-generation defense innovation.