Steve DePalo

Steve DePalo serves as a senior procurement professional responsible for managing complex acquisitions in satellite telecommunications services. He plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission by securing reliable, secure, and high-capacity space-based communication systems that support national infrastructure and operational requirements. His portfolio primarily encompasses end-to-end satellite telecom solutions, including transponder capacity, ground station integration, signal processing, and managed network services. DePalo ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while prioritizing technical performance, cybersecurity resilience, and long-term service continuity in all contract actions. His contractor relationships are centered on prime vendors with proven expertise in satellite operations and space-based communications, including established defense and commercial space contractors with deep experience in GEO and LEO constellation management. He routinely engages with firms possessing specialized certifications in satellite engineering, RF systems, and orbital spectrum coordination. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, outcome-driven SLAs, and rigorous vendor evaluation criteria focused on technical capability and mission readiness rather than cost alone. DePalo’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. While he does not routinely reserve contracts for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his approach supports broad market participation through full and open competition, ensuring access for all qualified entities capable of meeting stringent technical and security requirements. His primary focus lies in NAICS 517410—Satellite Telecommunications—where he procures advanced space communication systems, including leased bandwidth, satellite ground terminals, encrypted data links, and network resilience services. He possesses deep domain expertise in orbital mechanics, frequency allocation, and space-based network architecture, ensuring acquisitions align with evolving national security and operational communication needs.