CDSA DAM NECK

Mark J. Lucas

Mr. Mark J. Lucas is the Senior Civilian for the Combat Direction Systems Activity (CDSA) in Dam Neck, Virginia. CDSA's mission is to provide force-level integrated and interoperable engineering solutions, mission critical control systems, and associated testing and training technologies to meet maritime, joint, special warfare and information operation requirements. Mr. Lucas directs the planning, management and execution of all CDSA technical work spanning a budgetary authority of $200 million and a diverse 400 person military and civilian workforce.

Mr. Lucas began his career with the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) as a Software and Senior Systems Engineer at Naval Surface Warfare Center in Dahlgren, Virginia. His expertise in warfare and information systems was instrumental in successfully completing Acquisition Milestones and fielding Navy Self Defense capability. From 1998 through 2002, Mr. Lucas served as Systems Engineer and Project Manager for the Battle Force Interoperability Program at NAVSEA Headquarters in Washington DC where he defined and implemented Navy wide policies and processes for engineering, certification, and assessments.

Mr. Lucas earned a B.S. degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 1990, majoring in Mathematics and Physics; and a M.S. degree from The John Hopkins University in 2002 majoring in Systems Engineering. He has authored numerous publications including Defense Industry Conference Papers, Directives, Technical Reports, and System Guides. A certified Lean-6 sigma Green Belt, he is a member of the Defense Acquisition Workforce, Level III Certified for Systems Planning Research, Development and Engineering; and with secondary certifications in Program Management and Test and Evaluation.

Currently, Mr. Lucas is serving as a special advisor to the Navy's Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Force. In this capacity, he is tasked to lead critical changes related to ship and ship systems acquisitions test and evaluation.