Ward Szerlag

Ward Szerlag serves as a key procurement lead within the Strategic Systems Programs (N00030), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to sustain and modernize the U.S. sea-based nuclear deterrent. Responsible for managing complex systems engineering and software integration contracts, Szerlag oversees the acquisition of custom computer programming services critical to the lifecycle management of submarine-launched ballistic missile systems, weapons integration, and secure command, control, and communications infrastructure. His procurement activities ensure the operational readiness, cyber resilience, and technical fidelity of strategic deterrent platforms through rigorous systems engineering practices and defense acquisition protocols. Szerlag maintains consistent working 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 centered on high-assurance software development, mission-critical system integration, and defense-grade cybersecurity solutions. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based acquisition strategies, and technical alignment with Navy strategic weapons modernization objectives. Szerlag’s procurement portfolio reflects a strict focus on full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a deliberate emphasis on technical capability and mission-critical performance over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing the most qualified vendors capable of delivering complex, classified, and highly reliable systems under stringent DoD standards. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), underscoring deep expertise in secure software development, embedded systems programming, and mission-specific algorithm development for strategic deterrence platforms. Szerlag’s acquisitions consistently support advanced modeling, simulation, and real-time data processing environments essential to nuclear command systems and weapons integration architectures.