Biography

Linda Neilson

Deputy Director, Office of Defense Acquisition Regulations System

Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy

Ms. Linda Neilson serves as the Deputy Director to the Director, Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy, for the Defense Acquisition Regulations System (DARS). She chairs the Defense Acquisition Regulations (DAR) Council, and is responsible for developing and maintaining acquisition rules and guidance in support of DoD's acquisition of goods and services to support the Warfighter.

Ms. Neilson leads the DAR Council in developing and maintaining the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and the Defense FAR Supplement (DFARS). The DAR System provides support to the FAR Council; publishes the DFARS and the DFARS companion resource, Procedures, Guidance, and Information (PGI); accepts and resolves public comments on proposed and interim DFARS rules; issues and maintains Class Deviations; and provides acquisition policy guidance.

Ms. Neilson has more than 25 years experience in Defense procurement, policy, and training. Her previous assignments include Deputy Division Director at the Naval Sea Systems Command, Contracting Officer at the Naval Air Systems Command, and Executive Director, Acquisition Workforce and Career Management at the Defense Acquisition University.

Her work experience includes contracting for major weapons systems, state-of-the-art avionics, submarine electronic warfare equipment, submarine repair and overhaul, research and development, contracted advisory and assistance services, facilities and leases. Her assignments have included contracting for Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force programs, contract administration at the Defense Logistics Agency, and policy development as a member of the OUSD(AT&L) Defense Procurement and Acquisition Policy staff.

Ms. Neilson attended Vassar College, the University of Santa Clara, and the University of Southern California. She is a member of the Senior Executive Service.