Jennie L. Frantum

Jennie L. Frantum serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to develop and integrate advanced ballistic missile defense systems. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of complex research and development acquisitions, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning contract execution with strategic defense priorities. Her work centers on securing cutting-edge technologies for sensor modernization, space-based tracking architectures, and integrated command and control systems, often involving high-technology engineering and systems integration services. She plays a critical role in translating technical requirements into legally sound, performance-based contracts that support national security objectives. Frantum collaborates with a broad spectrum of defense contractors, including prime systems integrators, aerospace engineering firms, and specialized R&D providers with expertise in missile defense technologies. While no specific contractor relationships are currently identifiable, her procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with firms possessing deep technical capabilities in physical and engineering sciences, particularly those experienced in DoD acquisition frameworks such as Other Transaction Authorities and cost-reimbursement contracts. Her working relationships are characterized by a focus on technical rigor, risk mitigation, and performance accountability. Frantum’s contracting activity is exclusively non-set-aside, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical expertise to meet the MDA’s mission-critical requirements, rather than socioeconomic set-asides. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, she remains compliant with all applicable small business goals and may incorporate subcontracting opportunities as part of prime contract performance plans. Her primary procurement focus is NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing advanced defense R&D in areas such as radar signal processing, hypersonic threat detection, and integrated battle management systems. She specializes in procuring services related to systems engineering, prototyping, live-fire testing, and software-defined architecture development for missile defense platforms.