Joshua J. High (Contract Specialist)

Joshua J. High serves as a Contract Specialist within the IT Contracting Division - PL83 of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where he plays a pivotal role in procuring mission-critical IT solutions that sustain and modernize DoD-wide information systems. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of acquisition activities, from requirements validation and market research to contract award and administration, with a focus on secure, interoperable software platforms and cyber-resilient infrastructure. He routinely manages complex procurements for custom software development, enterprise-grade applications, and integrated IT services that support secure communication networks and defense computing environments, ensuring alignment with DoD cybersecurity standards and modernization directives. While specific contractor relationships are not publicly enumerated, High’s procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with a diverse ecosystem of IT service providers, including large systems integrators and specialized software vendors. His working relationships emphasize performance-based contracting, agile development methodologies, and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements, fostering partnerships grounded in technical excellence and operational readiness. High’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions designated as “No Set-Aside.” This approach prioritizes technical capability and mission fit over socioeconomic classifications, though it does not preclude small business participation where vendors meet stringent performance criteria. His strategy emphasizes merit-based selection while maintaining compliance with broader DoD procurement equity goals. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 513210 (Software Publishers) and 511210 (Prepackaged Software), with significant activity in 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services). He specializes in acquiring secure software development, enterprise system integration, cloud-enabled applications, and cybersecurity-enhanced platforms, demonstrating deep expertise in defense-specific IT domains including zero-trust architecture, mission-critical data systems, and DoD-aligned DevSecOps environments.