Cheryl Wetzel

Cheryl Wetzel serves as a Contracting Officer for the Strategic Systems Programs (N00030) under the Department of the Navy, where she manages the acquisition lifecycle for critical national security systems supporting the U.S. sea-based nuclear deterrent. Her portfolio encompasses complex systems engineering, weapons integration, and command, control, and communications infrastructure, requiring rigorous technical oversight and compliance with defense acquisition regulations. She leads the planning, solicitation, and award of contracts for high-assurance, mission-critical capabilities essential to the operational readiness and strategic deterrence posture of the U.S. Navy. Wetzel maintains long-standing partnerships with leading defense prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., and JRC Integrated Systems, LLC. These relationships are characterized by sustained collaboration on multi-year, technically intensive programs involving systems integration, simulation, and test and evaluation. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and adherence to defense-specific standards such as MIL-STD and DoD 5000.02. Her procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic objectives, with approximately one-third of awards directed toward Women-Owned Small Businesses, while the majority of contracts remain open competition without set-asides. This pattern indicates a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic preferences, while still actively supporting small business participation in specialized technical roles. Wetzel’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), and 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting Services), reflecting her specialization in systems engineering, software-defined architecture, and program management support for strategic deterrence platforms. She consistently procures advanced technical services related to weapons system integration, cybersecurity for nuclear command networks, and lifecycle sustainment engineering, demonstrating deep expertise in the defense systems acquisition domain.