Tara D Schmitt

Tara D. Schmitt serves as a key procurement lead within the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she manages complex acquisitions to secure and modernize the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. Her work centers on enabling resilient, high-capacity network connectivity through the procurement of secure telecommunications systems, virtual private networks, and mission-critical IT services. She routinely handles contract actions under FAR Part 12 and Part 36, focusing on service-based acquisitions that support interoperability, cybersecurity compliance, and legacy system modernization across military and federal operations. Schmitt maintains strong, ongoing relationships with core contractors including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Liberty Communications, Inc., AOC Connect LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in fiber-optic network deployment, secure communications platforms, and enterprise-grade telecom integration. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, long-term service agreements, and technical alignment with DISA’s strategic objectives for network resilience and cloud-enabled connectivity. Her procurement portfolio exhibits minimal use of socioeconomic set-asides, with 92.6% of awards issued as unrestricted competitions. Small business participation is limited, with only 3.7% of awards designated for Total Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, indicating a primary focus on technical capability over socioeconomic preferences. The majority of her acquisitions fall under NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 511210 (Software Publishers), reflecting deep expertise in managed network services, cybersecurity-enabled telecom solutions, and enterprise software integration. Secondary focus areas include NAICS 334220 for wireless communications equipment and 334310 for specialized audio/video infrastructure, underscoring her technical command over next-generation defense communications systems.