Jenalle Hilmes

Jenalle L. Hilmes supports the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency in managing critical procurement activities that sustain and modernize the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. She oversees acquisitions for secure, high-capacity telecom systems, with a focus on satellite-based networks and mission-critical IT services that enable resilient, interoperable connectivity across military and federal operations. Her work directly advances DISA’s mission to transition legacy systems to next-generation architectures, ensuring secure, scalable, and agile network capabilities for expeditionary and strategic forces. Hilmes maintains established relationships with key contractors including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Liberty Communications, Inc., AOC Connect LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in secure satellite communications, fiber-optic network deployment, and enterprise-level telecom integration. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and technical compliance with DoD cybersecurity and interoperability standards, fostering reliable delivery of mission-enabling services. Her procurement patterns show a strong orientation toward open competition, with 87.5% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, reflecting a focus on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic classifications. However, she consistently supports HUBZone-certified firms, accounting for 12.5% of awards, demonstrating a measured commitment to geographic economic development while prioritizing operational effectiveness. Hilmes specializes in NAICS 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), which drives over 70% of her portfolio, procuring secure space-based communications, ground station infrastructure, and encrypted data relay systems. She also frequently acquires services under NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), including network engineering, cybersecurity integration, and virtual private network solutions. Her technical domain expertise centers on secure, high-bandwidth telecommunications architectures that support joint force operations in contested and austere environments.