Derek Petersen

Derek Petersen serves as a key procurement lead within the Office of Naval Research, supporting the agency’s mission to translate foundational scientific discoveries into operational naval capabilities. He manages a portfolio of research and development contracts focused on physical, engineering, and life sciences, ensuring that cutting-edge innovations in autonomous systems, maritime sensing, and advanced propulsion are rapidly matured for Navy and Marine Corps use. His acquisitions are primarily performance-based, requiring rigorous technical evaluation and milestone-driven deliverables, often involving interdisciplinary teams of scientists, engineers, and system integrators. Petersen maintains consistent partnerships with leading defense and research contractors including CHEROKEE STRATEGIC SOLUTIONS, SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, BAE SYSTEMS INFORMATION AND ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS INTEGRATION INC., SKYDWELLER US INC., and ABBOTT LABORATORIES INC. These relationships are characterized by long-term, high-complexity R&D engagements, often structured as Basic Ordering Agreements or Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity contracts to support agile, responsive science and technology development. His procurement approach emphasizes technical excellence, innovation scalability, and seamless integration with naval platforms. Petersen’s contracting activity shows no reliance on socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized, mission-critical nature of the work, where proprietary technical expertise and proven capability in advanced R&D outweigh traditional small business preference criteria. His approach prioritizes technical merit and mission readiness over socioeconomic targeting. His primary focus is on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he procures advanced sensors, AI-enabled decision support tools, novel materials, biomedical countermeasures, and autonomous system prototypes. His expertise lies in managing complex, multi-year science and technology programs that bridge the gap between laboratory innovation and fleet deployment.