Michelle Mills

Michelle Mills 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. She manages complex acquisitions spanning research, engineering, and advanced system integration, with a focus on midcourse and terminal-phase interception technologies. Her work directly enables MDA’s mission to modernize layered defense architectures through cutting-edge sensor systems, guidance technologies, and weapon system integration. Mills handles high-stakes contracts for technical services and specialized manufacturing, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities under stringent DoD acquisition regulations. She maintains consistent partnerships with leading defense prime contractors, including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, which provide core system engineering, radar modernization, and interceptor development services. Jacobs Technology Inc. is also a recurring partner, delivering technical support and systems integration expertise. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term collaboration with industry leaders possessing deep domain knowledge in missile defense, enabling rapid prototyping, rigorous testing, and seamless fielding of next-generation capabilities. Mills’ contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. This indicates a strategic focus on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with MDA’s urgent operational requirements and the specialized nature of missile defense systems. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her awards, the complexity of the procurements inherently favors established defense contractors with proven systems integration experience. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), where she sources advanced modeling, simulation, and test services for missile defense architectures. She also procures specialized manufacturing under NAICS 334511 for search, detection, and guidance systems, alongside broader technical services under NAICS 541990. Her expertise centers on high-precision aerospace and defense technologies, with deep engagement in radar, command and control, and interceptors operating across all phases of ballistic missile flight.