Virginia S. Hennings

Virginia S. Hennings serves as a Contracting Officer for Strategic Systems Programs (N00030) within the Department of the Navy, where she plays a pivotal role in securing critical capabilities for the nation’s sea-based nuclear deterrent. She manages the full lifecycle procurement of complex defense systems, including submarine-launched ballistic missile integration, strategic weapons engineering, and command, control, and communication infrastructure. Her acquisitions are grounded in systems engineering, test and evaluation, and advanced technology development, ensuring operational readiness and national security. Hennings works closely with technical stakeholders to translate mission requirements into solicitation strategies that prioritize performance, reliability, and long-term sustainment. Hennings maintains enduring relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, General Dynamics Mission Systems, Inc., Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., and JRC Integrated Systems, LLC. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration on high-consequence programs requiring rigorous systems integration, cybersecurity compliance, and classified development environments. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and continuous oversight to ensure delivery of mission-critical capabilities under stringent security and schedule constraints. Her procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 97.1% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Small business participation is limited but intentional, with minor allocations directed toward Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Women-Owned Small Businesses, consistent with strategic priorities for niche technical expertise rather than socioeconomic quotas. Hennings’ acquisitions are heavily concentrated in engineering services (NAICS 541330), reflecting her focus on systems engineering, technical analysis, and weapons integration. Secondary emphasis is placed on research and development in physical and engineering sciences (NAICS 541712), as well as specialized manufacturing of guided missile components (NAICS 336419). Her expertise lies in procuring advanced defense technologies requiring multidisciplinary engineering support, rigorous testing protocols, and secure supply chain management for strategic deterrence systems.