Sherman Mayle

Sherman Mayle 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. Responsible for managing complex research and development acquisitions, he facilitates the acquisition of advanced technologies spanning sensor modernization, midcourse and terminal-phase interception systems, and guided weapon integration. His work directly enables MDA’s mission to deploy layered defense architectures against evolving ballistic missile threats, ensuring timely delivery of high-priority technical capabilities through full and open competition. He typically handles high-technical-risk, systems-engineering contracts requiring deep domain expertise in aerospace defense and weapons system integration. Mayle maintains consistent procurement relationships with industry leaders including Lockheed Martin Corp and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with these prime contractors to deliver cutting-edge missile defense technologies. He also engages Jacobs Technology Inc. for systems integration and technical support services. His contracting patterns reflect a reliance on established defense primes with proven track records in missile defense R&D, emphasizing technical maturity, systems-level integration capability, and rapid prototyping capacity. These partnerships are characterized by long-term, multi-year contract vehicles designed to sustain continuous innovation and operational fielding. Mayle’s acquisition portfolio is entirely composed of full and open competitions, with no set-asides for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic programs. This reflects the highly specialized nature of missile defense systems, where technical requirements necessitate access to a narrow pool of contractors with classified clearances, advanced engineering infrastructure, and prior experience in classified defense programs. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, the structure of his acquisitions allows for subcontracting opportunities within prime contracts. His primary focus is on NAICS 541715—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—encompassing advanced radar systems, kinetic and non-kinetic interceptors, battle management command and control software, and missile guidance algorithms. He procures mission-critical R&D services requiring expertise in hypersonics, space-based sensors, and real-time threat discrimination, ensuring the U.S. maintains technological superiority in missile defense.