Judith Hicklin

Judith Hicklin serves as a key procurement lead within the Information Technology Development and Sustainment office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where she manages the acquisition of mission-critical IT systems that underpin national disaster response, grant administration, and emergency operations. Her work centers on securing custom software development, systems integration, and cloud-enabled infrastructure to modernize platforms such as grant management portals, emergency kiosks, and watch center technologies. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring the agency’s digital capabilities remain resilient, scalable, and aligned with DHS cybersecurity standards, frequently engaging in complex solicitation processes including RFPs and IDIQs for mission-critical IT services. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Hicklin maintains a broad network of professional services vendors specializing in federal IT modernization, including firms with expertise in agile development, DevSecOps, and secure cloud migration. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of supporting sustained system operations and rapid iteration under high-stakes operational conditions. Hicklin’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions designated as non-set-aside. This indicates a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic classifications, though small businesses remain eligible and actively compete under full and open competition guidelines. Her approach prioritizes mission readiness and system interoperability over socioeconomic targets, aligning with the agency’s urgent need for scalable, high-assurance solutions. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), reflecting deep engagement in bespoke software development and enterprise architecture. She also routinely procures software publishing, data hosting, and professional technical services, demonstrating expertise in end-to-end IT lifecycle management—from requirements definition to cloud-hosted sustainment—for systems critical to emergency response operations.