Vanessa A. McCollum

Vanessa A. McCollum serves as a Contracting Officer within the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she leads the acquisition of critical communications infrastructure to support the Department of Defense’s global network modernization efforts. Her portfolio focuses on securing and expanding resilient, high-capacity telecom systems, including satellite-based connectivity and secure virtual private networks. McCollum manages full lifecycle procurements—from market research and solicitation to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and mission-critical performance standards across military and federal operations. She maintains enduring relationships with key industry partners including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Liberty Communications, Inc., AOC Connect LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These contractors provide specialized expertise in satellite communications, fiber-optic network deployment, and secure telecom integration. McCollum’s contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical innovation, and long-term operational sustainability, fostering collaborative partnerships with vendors capable of delivering mission-ready solutions under stringent security and interoperability requirements. McCollum’s procurement activity reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. While she does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her contracting strategy prioritizes technical capability and mission alignment over socioeconomic classifications, ensuring the highest standards of performance for defense-critical telecommunications systems. Her primary focus lies in NAICS 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), which accounts for 83.3% of her acquisitions, alongside NAICS 517919 (Other Telecommunications). She specializes in procuring secure satellite ground systems, managed bandwidth services, encrypted data transport, and next-generation telecom hardware, demonstrating deep expertise in space-based communications architecture and DoD-wide network interoperability standards.