Donald Merkle

Don Merkle serves as a key procurement professional within DLA Land Warren, supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to sustain ground force readiness through the acquisition of high-reliability mechanical, electrical, and electro-mechanical components. He manages complex contracts for mission-critical systems including armored vehicle powertrains, transmission assemblies, fluid power actuators, and tactical electronic subsystems, ensuring operational continuity for combat and support platforms. His work directly enables the lifecycle sustainment of land warfare systems, requiring deep technical understanding of defense-grade engineering standards and supply chain resilience. Merkle maintains consistent contracting relationships with industry leaders such as Oshkosh Defense LLC, Renk America LLC, and ONTIC Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc., partnering with firms capable of delivering precision-engineered components under strict military specifications. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based contracting, and technical validation of components for extreme environmental and operational conditions. He frequently engages with specialized manufacturers possessing AS9100 and ISO 9001 certifications, prioritizing supply chain reliability and traceability across defense-critical subsystems. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for small business participation, with over 42% of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding access for qualified small manufacturers. While service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses account for a minor share, the overall socioeconomic strategy prioritizes broad small business engagement across the industrial base, fostering innovation and competition among capable Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers. Merkle’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336350 (Motor Vehicle Transmission and Power Train Parts Manufacturing), 333995 (Fluid Power Cylinder and Actuator Manufacturing), and related categories supporting armored vehicle systems. He specializes in acquiring high-torque drivetrain components, hydraulic actuation systems, and ruggedized electro-mechanical interfaces, requiring expertise in military standards such as MIL-STD-810 and SAE J1939. His technical domain expertise centers on the integration of mechanical and electronic subsystems for survivable, mission-critical ground platforms.