Melissa J Winkeler

Melissa J. Winkeler serves as a Contract Specialist within the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that secure and modernize the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for telecommunications systems, including secure network services, satellite communications, and interoperability solutions essential to military operations. Her portfolio emphasizes high-assurance, resilient connectivity capabilities aligned with DISA’s strategic imperatives to replace legacy systems and deploy encrypted virtual private networks across defense networks. Winkeler maintains consistent contracting relationships with key industry partners including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Liberty Communications, Inc., AOC Connect LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on established vendors with proven capabilities in secure telecom deployment, fiber-optic infrastructure, and mission-critical network integration. Her procurement approach prioritizes performance-based outcomes, technical compliance with DoD standards, and vendor reliability in high-stakes operational environments. Her contracting patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 76.2% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, she actively supports small business participation, with nearly one-fifth of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and a notable focus on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, demonstrating a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission readiness. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Satellite Telecommunications (517410), reflecting her leadership in acquiring space-based communication systems, alongside professional training services (611430) for workforce development and security systems services (561621) to enhance network resilience. She also regularly procures engineering services (541330) and specialized maintenance for critical telecom infrastructure, underscoring her technical expertise in secure, next-generation telecommunications procurement.