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 critical acquisitions to modernize and secure the Department of Defense’s global communications infrastructure. Her work centers on procuring advanced telecommunications services and network solutions that ensure resilient, high-capacity connectivity across military and federal operations. She routinely handles complex contracts for network modernization, secure virtual private networks, and interoperable communications systems, aligning acquisitions with DISA’s mission to replace legacy telecom architectures with next-generation, cyber-secure platforms. Schmitt maintains consistent partnerships with leading telecom and systems integration contractors, including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., AOC CONNECT LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These relationships reflect a pattern of engagement with vendors capable of delivering end-to-end telecom infrastructure, fiber optic deployment, and secure network design services. Her procurement approach prioritizes vendors with proven experience in DoD environments, emphasizing compliance with cybersecurity standards and scalability across distributed operational theaters. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 80% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, allocating approximately 13.3% of awards to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and 6.7% to 8(a) competed contracts, demonstrating a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission readiness. Schmitt’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), reflecting her specialization in integrated network engineering, cloud-enabled telecom solutions, and mission-critical system integration. She frequently procures services related to network architecture design, secure data transport, and telecom system modernization, underscoring her technical expertise in DoD-wide communications modernization initiatives.