Michelle R Crain

Michelle R. Crain serves as a Contract Specialist within the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she manages the acquisition of critical telecommunications and IT infrastructure solutions to support the Department of Defense’s global communications network. Her role centers on executing full lifecycle contracting actions for complex, mission-critical services that ensure secure, resilient, and interoperable network capabilities across military and federal operations. She routinely handles performance-based, fixed-price, and time-and-materials contracts for systems design, network modernization, and secure virtual private network deployments, aligning procurement outcomes with DISA’s strategic objectives of infrastructure resilience and technological modernization. Crain maintains consistent working 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 vendors provide specialized expertise in fiber-optic network deployment, telecom equipment integration, and secure communications system implementation. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance outcomes, technical compliance, and vendor reliability, fostering long-term partnerships with contractors who demonstrate proven capability in delivering high-assurance telecommunications solutions under stringent DoD security standards. Crain’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict preference for open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside categories. This underscores a mission-driven focus on selecting the most technically qualified and capable vendors regardless of socioeconomic status, prioritizing operational readiness and system interoperability over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally targeted, all solicitations remain fully compliant with federal acquisition regulations and competitive procurement principles. Her primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), encompassing network engineering, systems integration, and managed services, with additional activity in 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 334210 (Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing). She specializes in acquiring secure, next-generation telecom hardware and software platforms that support DoD’s transition to software-defined networking and zero-trust architectures.