Joanne R Rhoden

Joanne R. Rhoden serves as Supervisory Contract Specialist at the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), where she leads the planning, execution, and oversight of mission-critical information technology and communications acquisitions. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning contracting strategies with DISA’s mandate to deliver secure, resilient, and interoperable information systems for global military operations. Her portfolio primarily encompasses telecommunications equipment and custom software development, supporting command and control, cyber-enabled decision-making, and high-bandwidth network infrastructure modernization across all defense domains. While specific contractor names are not disclosed in available records, Rhoden maintains robust working relationships with a diverse base of vendors specializing in secure telecommunications hardware and tailored software solutions. She fosters collaborative partnerships with both large prime contractors and qualified small businesses, emphasizing performance-based contracting, clear statement of work development, and rigorous source selection under FAR Part 15 procedures. Her approach prioritizes technical feasibility, cybersecurity compliance, and lifecycle support in vendor engagements. Rhoden exhibits a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 40% of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for small businesses in defense IT. Although no specific 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB preferences are dominant, her consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a proactive effort to enhance competition and promote equitable access to federal contracting opportunities. Her procurement focus is heavily concentrated in NAICS 334210 (Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing), reflecting her expertise in procuring secure voice, data, and satellite communication devices, and NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), where she manages the development of mission-specific software applications for secure network operations. This dual specialization positions her as a key enabler of DISA’s modernization goals in both hardware infrastructure and software-enabled capabilities.