Steven Payne

Steven G. Payne supports the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency in executing mission-critical telecommunications acquisitions that secure and modernize the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. He manages the procurement of high-capacity network services, secure virtual private networks, and resilient telecom systems essential for military and federal operations. His work ensures interoperability across distributed command environments, with a focus on transitioning legacy systems to next-generation, software-defined architectures. Payne’s portfolio centers on complex, mission-essential contracts requiring stringent security compliance, including NIST and DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards. He maintains consistent partnerships with leading telecommunications and network infrastructure providers, including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., AOC CONNECT LLC, and NORFOLK FIBER, LLC. These contractors deliver fiber-optic connectivity, satellite communications, and managed network services critical to DISA’s global reach. Payne’s procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and technical compliance over cost alone, fostering relationships with vendors capable of meeting DoD’s stringent resilience and cybersecurity requirements. Payne’s contracting activity reflects an overwhelming preference for full and open competition, with 99.2% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Small business participation is minimal, at just 0.8%, indicating a procurement environment prioritizing scale, technical sophistication, and mission-critical reliability over socioeconomic preferences. This pattern aligns with the specialized nature of the telecommunications infrastructure under his purview, which often requires enterprise-grade capabilities beyond the capacity of most small businesses. The primary NAICS code associated with his acquisitions is 111110 (Soybean Farming), which appears to be a systemic data error. In context, the actual focus is on NAICS 517 (Telecommunications) and 5415 (Computer Systems Design), where he procures secure network services, fiber transport, and managed IT infrastructure. His domain expertise lies in tactical and strategic telecom modernization, with deep familiarity in DoD network standards and secure cloud-enabled communications architectures.