Derek Michael

Derek Michael serves as a key procurement lead within the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA), overseeing acquisitions critical to securing the national defense industrial base. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on personnel vetting systems, cybersecurity infrastructure, and digital identity solutions that enable secure access to classified environments. His work directly supports DCSA’s mission to modernize background investigation workflows and safeguard sensitive government systems through trusted workforce and cyber-enabled protections. Derek routinely handles complex service-based acquisitions under FAR Part 12 and Part 37, with a strong emphasis on IT modernization, risk mitigation, and mission-critical infrastructure support. He maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading vendors including SWISH DATA CORPORATION, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, SPATHE SYSTEMS LLC, ROCKWOOD COMPANY LLC, and IDEMIA IDENTITY & SECURITY USA LLC. These partnerships reflect a strategic focus on integrating advanced identity verification, secure data processing, and cybersecurity platforms into DCSA’s operational ecosystem. Derek’s contracting approach prioritizes proven technical capability, compliance with NIST standards, and interoperability with federal identity management frameworks such as PIV and FIDO2. While the majority of his acquisitions are open competition (75%), he actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (25%), aligning with FAR 19.5 guidelines. His contracting patterns demonstrate a deliberate effort to cultivate a diverse supplier base, particularly among firms capable of delivering secure software development and specialized technical services. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), with a significant portion also under 485991 (Special Needs Transportation), reflecting an evolving need to integrate secure logistics and personnel transport systems into cleared facility operations. Derek’s expertise centers on procuring secure software platforms, identity credentialing hardware, and integrated cybersecurity solutions that meet DoD and NIST compliance mandates.