Malcolm Rice

Malcolm Rice serves as a key procurement professional within the Missile Defense Agency, supporting the development and fielding of integrated missile defense systems critical to national security. He manages complex acquisitions spanning advanced engineering services, specialized manufacturing, and mission-critical subsystems that enable layered defense architectures. His work directly supports MDA’s strategic priorities in midcourse interception, terminal-phase defense, and sensor modernization, with a focus on high-precision technical systems requiring rigorous certification and systems integration. Rice handles a diverse portfolio of contract actions, including competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements under FAR Part 15, ensuring alignment with defense acquisition reform initiatives and technology readiness milestones. He maintains consistent working relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with them on large-scale system integration efforts. He also collaborates with Jacobs Technology Inc. on engineering and technical support services essential to test infrastructure and operational readiness. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and risk-sharing mechanisms, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical excellence and mission alignment. Rice demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately two-thirds of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate focus on enabling small and mid-sized firms to contribute to high-tech defense systems, particularly through total small business set-asides, with occasional full and open competitions when specialized capabilities are required. This approach supports broader DoD socioeconomic goals while maintaining mission-critical performance standards. His procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 332813 (surface treatment processes for missile components), 333912 (high-pressure gas systems for propulsion testing), 541330 (systems engineering and technical assistance), and 333924 (material handling equipment for test ranges). These reflect deep expertise in procuring precision-manufactured hardware, specialized industrial machinery, and engineering services critical to missile defense system development and fielding.