Michelle C. Cames

Michelle Cames serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring mission-critical technologies that enhance the tactical superiority of special operations forces. Her portfolio centers on rapid prototyping and field-deployable systems, with a focus on advanced electro-optical sensors, tactical communications equipment, and specialized manufacturing solutions. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and streamlined acquisition authorities such as OTAs and Other Transaction Agreements. Her work directly supports USSOCOM’s mandate to deliver cutting-edge capabilities through agile, responsive contracting. Cames cultivates strategic partnerships with a diverse range of vendors, including prime contractors specializing in defense electronics and rapid manufacturing, as well as niche technology developers with proven expertise in military-grade systems. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms capable of meeting stringent performance, security, and delivery timelines required for special operations missions. Her contracting approach emphasizes collaboration, technical feasibility assessments, and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term vendor relationships built on reliability and innovation. Cames demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 18.2% of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She actively seeks qualified small businesses capable of delivering specialized hardware and components, aligning with USSOCOM’s broader goal of leveraging agile innovators. While the majority of her awards are unrestricted, she prioritizes socioeconomic programs that expand the defense industrial base, ensuring small firms with niche technical capabilities have equitable access to high-impact opportunities. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336112 (Military and Aerospace Equipment Manufacturing), where she acquires advanced communication systems and integrated sensor platforms. She also regularly procures products under NAICS 339999 and 334220, reflecting demand for custom electro-optical devices and wireless communication gear. Her technical expertise spans battlefield-ready electronics, ruggedized hardware, and rapid prototyping of mission-specific tools, positioning her at the intersection of defense innovation and operational readiness.