FOUNDER, PRO PATRIA PARTNERS

With over 18 years federal service, Lucas has led some of the most complex and high-value acquisitions at GSA AAS, including over $12 billion in awards through the FEDSIM Service Delivery Model for various clients including the Global Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, Defense Health Agency, and SOCOM, to name a few.

During his tenure with GSA AAS Defense, Lucas, led more than 15 Technical Evaluation Boards and directed multi-agency procurements across defense, intelligence, and civilian sectors. Lucas received multiple awards for innovation and was highly sought out for his ability to understand customer requirements, tailoring acquisition strategies and solicitations for success. His expertise spans acquisition strategy, stakeholder alignment and engagement, risk management, and technical evaluations—delivering mission-critical solutions in areas such as IT Modernization, AI/ML strategic implementation, C5ISR, and cybersecurity.

As a former Acquisition Project Manager (APM) and leader within AAS Defense, he brings an insider’s perspective on how the Government evaluates, scores, and rates proposals. His expertise bridges the gap between BD, capture, and proposal teams, ensuring strategies are aligned with evaluation criteria and acquisition objectives. Lucas has attended the Shipley Business Development Bootcamp, and holds FAC P/PM Level III, DAWIA Contracting Level III, PMP, and ITIL Foundations certifications.

A veteran of the Global War on Terror, Lucas served with the 4th Battalion, 31st Infantry, part of the fabled U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division in Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom. Through this service, Lucas found his passion for national security and has continued to dedicate his career to enabling the warfighter to accomplish the critical missions they perform.

As the founder of Pro Patria Partners, Lucas is committed to equipping Defense contractors with the tools, insights, and strategies needed to compete and win in an increasingly complex federal marketplace. His mission is simple: help businesses not just bid, but win—because in government contracting, winning matters.

STRATEGIC CONSULTANT

A highly skilled former Senior Acquisition Project Manager and Contracting Officer, Heather brings 20+ years of experience in federal procurement, strategic acquisition, and project leadership to bear across multiple U.S. government agencies and private industry.

Heather is a campaign veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as an Army Truck Driver, attached to the 3rd Infantry Division and 82nd Airborne Division. This military experience instilled a mission-driven mindset, operational discipline, and leadership in high-pressure environments. With 8 years of service in both the Army and National Guard, she earned several distinctions, including the Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal.

Heather’s career experience spans the General Services Administration (GSA), Department of Defense (DoD), Department of Transportation (DOT), and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), she has successfully led high-stakes acquisition programs ranging from $5M to $3B. As a former Senior Acquisition Project Manager, she chaired various Technical Evaluation Boards and authored the final consensus reports, ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS, while optimizing procurement efficiency. Her expertise in contracting, procurement policy development, and acquisition strategy has contributed to government-wide improvements in acquisition practices on a global scale. She holds a TS/SCI clearance, a Level III FAC-C certification, and a Level III PPM certification.

Heather’s key accomplishments include leading the $975M USCENTCOM IT acquisition, the $919M Army PEO Soldier R&D acquisition, overseeing the first-ever $750M federal land exchange agreement with MIT, and negotiating $3.3M in construction claim savings for a new land port of entry. Recognized for process optimization and mentorship, Heather has successfully led global remote teams, streamlined acquisition workflows, and developed initiatives that continue to shape federal procurement strategies. Additionally, she led strategic process improvement projects, championing system enhancements that improved data accuracy, reduced duplication, and resulted in a new national electronic system that streamlined procurement package processing for significant cost savings.