Rusty DeSantis

Rusty A. DeSantis serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (HQ0276), where he plays a critical role in executing complex acquisition strategies for national missile defense systems. He manages the full lifecycle of procurements for advanced kinetic and non-kinetic interceptors, sensor networks, and command-and-control architectures, ensuring alignment with the MDA’s mission to counter ballistic and hypersonic threats. His work directly supports the development, testing, and fielding of integrated defense systems, requiring deep technical understanding of aerospace engineering, guidance systems, and real-time battle management technologies. DeSantis routinely handles competitive sealed bidding, negotiated acquisitions, and cost-reimbursement contracts under FAR and DFARS guidelines, with a focus on high-risk, high-impact programs requiring stringent security and compliance protocols. DeSantis collaborates closely with prime defense contractors specializing in guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, as well as research institutions engaged in physical and engineering sciences. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established defense aerospace firms with proven track records in systems integration and operational testing, though he maintains an open and transparent solicitation process to encourage innovation and technical excellence. Vendor partnerships are typically long-term and performance-driven, emphasizing technical feasibility, schedule reliability, and compliance with DoD cybersecurity and export control standards. DeSantis’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of procurements conducted under full and open competition. While he does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his approach ensures rigorous merit-based evaluation, prioritizing technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic categorization. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and 541712 (Research and Development in Physical and Engineering Sciences). He procures advanced propulsion systems, radar and lidar sensors, hypersonic glide vehicle components, and software-defined battle management systems, demonstrating specialized expertise in aerospace defense technology and systems engineering procurement.