Dianne C. Ohlandt

Dianne Ohlandt serves as a Contracting Officer at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring mission-critical technologies that enhance the tactical superiority of special operations forces. She manages complex procurements across engineering services, custom software development, and specialized equipment systems, ensuring rapid delivery of field-deployable solutions aligned with USSOCOM’s focus on innovation, prototyping, and operational readiness. Her acquisitions directly support advanced communications, electro-optical systems, sensor integration, and rapid R&D initiatives essential to national security missions. Ohlandt cultivates strategic relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including defense primes, systems integrators, and niche technology firms specializing in secure communications and embedded systems. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her contracting patterns reflect a preference for agile, technically proficient partners capable of rapid iteration and compliance with stringent DoD cybersecurity and interoperability standards. She frequently engages with firms experienced in agile development, prototype scaling, and field validation to meet the unique demands of special operations environments. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 91.7% of her awards issued without set-asides, reflecting the specialized nature of USSOCOM’s requirements. However, she consistently allocates 8.3% of opportunities to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to small business participation, particularly among firms with proven expertise in defense-grade engineering and software development. Ohlandt’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), underpinning her work in developing secure, mission-tailored software and hardware systems. She also procures specialized equipment under 336413 (Aircraft Parts) and 532411 (Transportation Equipment Leasing), supporting the integration of advanced avionics, sensor platforms, and mobile command systems. Her expertise centers on acquiring technologies that enable real-time data fusion, low-signature operations, and rapid adaptation in contested environments.