Maureen Atwood

Maureen Atwood serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), headquartered under HQ0796, where she plays a critical role in executing complex acquisitions that support the nation’s layered ballistic missile defense architecture. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for technical services essential to system integration, sensor modernization, and space-based tracking capabilities. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development, custom software engineering, and facilities support services, ensuring that MDA’s mission-critical programs are delivered with technical rigor and operational readiness. Atwood’s expertise lies in navigating the unique compliance and security requirements of defense acquisition, aligning procurements with DoD directives and National Defense Authorization Act priorities. Atwood collaborates with a diverse set of contractors, including defense systems integrators, aerospace engineering firms, and specialized IT service providers, many of whom possess Top Secret/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearances. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and technical innovation, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of supporting rapid prototyping and fielding of next-generation missile defense technologies. She prioritizes contractors with proven experience in missile defense systems, command and control architectures, and space-based sensor integration. Atwood’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued without set-aside designations. While she does not currently utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her focus remains on mission effectiveness and technical capability over socioeconomic preferences, consistent with MDA’s high-priority, time-sensitive acquisition environment. Her primary NAICS focus includes Facilities Support Services (561210), Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (541712), and Custom Computer Programming Services (541511). She regularly procures engineering analysis, software development for missile tracking algorithms, systems integration testing, and infrastructure support for test ranges and command centers, demonstrating deep expertise in defense systems engineering and mission assurance domains.