Mark A. Thompson

Mark A. Thompson serves as a Contract Specialist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA1), where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex procurements aligned with the agency’s mission to counter weapons of mass destruction and emerging national security threats. He manages the full lifecycle of professional, scientific, and technical service contracts, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while supporting cutting-edge research in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive defense technologies. His acquisitions are mission-critical, often involving advanced threat detection systems, forensic analysis tools, and integrated intelligence platforms that enable rapid response and deterrence capabilities. Thompson maintains enduring relationships with leading technical service providers including TECHTRANS INTERNATIONAL INC, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, AERIS LLC, APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC., and AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for high-caliber, mission-aligned contractors with deep expertise in defense science, systems engineering, and cloud-based analytical infrastructure. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term collaboration, technical rigor, and performance-based outcomes, fostering trust with vendors capable of delivering classified and sensitive solutions under stringent security protocols. Thompson’s procurement portfolio reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside classifications. He does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, instead emphasizing technical capability and mission readiness as the primary selection criteria. This approach ensures that HDTRA1 secures the most qualified entities to address high-consequence threats without compromising operational urgency or technical integrity. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541990—All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services—encompassing advanced R&D, threat modeling, sensor development, and data analytics for WMD mitigation. He consistently acquires services requiring specialized scientific expertise, including nuclear forensics, chemical detection algorithms, and secure cloud computing architectures, reinforcing HDTRA1’s position at the forefront of national defense innovation.