Lauren O'Neill

Lauren O'Neill supports the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency in managing critical procurement initiatives that secure and modernize the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. She oversees the acquisition of advanced telecommunications services and network-enabling technologies, ensuring resilient, high-capacity connectivity for military and federal operations. Her work centers on transitioning legacy systems to secure, software-defined architectures, with a strong emphasis on virtual private networks, cyber-secure data transport, and interoperable command and control environments. O'Neill handles complex service-based contracts requiring deep technical validation and lifecycle management, aligning acquisitions with DISA’s mission to sustain warfighter-ready networks. She maintains consistent relationships with leading telecommunications and IT services providers, including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., AOC CONNECT LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC, among others. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in secure fiber-optic deployment, cloud-enabled telecom platforms, and mission-critical network integration. O'Neill’s contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, requiring contractors to demonstrate compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards and interoperability frameworks such as STIGs and NIST SP 800-53. Her procurement portfolio reflects a strong inclination toward open competition, with over 65% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, with approximately one-third of contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides in accordance with FAR 19.5. While 8(a) competed awards are less frequent, they are strategically deployed to foster innovation from emerging vendors in the defense telecom space. O'Neill’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting her specialization in integrated network services, managed connectivity, and cybersecurity-enabling solutions. She also frequently procures services under NAICS 511210 and 541511, indicating a technical emphasis on custom software for network orchestration and systems integration. Her domain expertise spans secure SD-WAN, encrypted satellite communications, and enterprise-grade telecom infrastructure modernization.