Nerissa V. Pierce

Nerissa V. Pierce serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she plays a critical role in executing complex acquisitions for integrated missile defense systems. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—she supports MDA’s mission to field layered, multi-phase ballistic missile defense capabilities. Her portfolio primarily encompasses engineering services and advanced technology solutions aligned with midcourse and terminal-phase interception systems, sensor modernization, and guided weapon integration. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contract vehicles with strategic defense priorities and technical requirements. Pierce maintains consistent contracting relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, as well as Jacobs Technology Inc., reflecting her focus on high-capacity systems integrators with deep expertise in defense aerospace and missile technologies. Her working relationships are characterized by structured, performance-based contracting approaches, emphasizing technical rigor, risk mitigation, and delivery of mission-critical capabilities under stringent security and compliance protocols. She frequently engages these partners on R&D-driven contracts requiring rapid prototyping and systems engineering support. Pierce’s contracting activity shows a 100% preference for unrestricted, full and open competition, with no use of 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic set-asides. This reflects the highly specialized nature of missile defense systems, where technical maturity, classified program access, and industrial base capacity necessitate reliance on established defense primes with proven track records in national security programs. Her procurement focus is evenly split between NAICS 519130 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) and 541330 (Engineering Services), underscoring her specialization in advanced systems engineering, modeling and simulation, and technical advisory support for missile defense architectures. She routinely procures services involving radar integration, command and control software, interceptor guidance systems, and test and evaluation support for layered defense networks.