Amanda Merced

Amanda Merced is an accomplished government contracting attorney with deep expertise in the technology industry and in corporate compliance, intellectual property rights, and risk management. She is a sought-after advisor for companies looking to sell technology products and services to the government, bringing a strategic approach to navigating procurement, regulatory, and contractual challenges. With extensive in-house experience, Amanda serves as a solutions-oriented partner and outside General Counsel to Ward & Berry’s government contracting and technology clients. She has negotiated opposite major technology companies on a wide range of transactions, including software licensing, artificial intelligence (AI) solutions, robotic process automation (RPA), cloud computing (IaaS, SaaS, PaaS), cybersecurity, IT outsourcing (ITO), business process outsourcing (BPO), power, and data security/privacy. Her ability to bridge the gap between legal teams and operational departments makes her a trusted advisor in high-stakes government and commercial negotiations.

Prior to joining Ward & Berry, Amanda was the Head of Legal & Compliance and Corporate Secretary at SparkCognition Government Systems, Inc. (SGS), an AI company specializing in defense and national security. She also served as Senior Corporate Counsel at SparkCognition, Inc., leading compliance and commercial transactions for the Austin-based Unicorn AI company. Before entering the tech sector, she spent nine years at USAA, where she evolved from corporate governance and risk management to becoming the lead technology transactions attorney, responsible for structuring some of USAA’s most complex tech agreements. Amanda is known for her ability to navigate high-stakes negotiations, craft strategic partnerships, and drive practical solutions in the fast-evolving world of government contracting and emerging technology.

A recognized thought leader, she is a frequent speaker at industry conferences such as the National 8(a) Small Business Conference, Alaska Regional Conference, NHOA Small Business Conference, Federal Publication Year in Review, SCCE Annual Conference and hosts Ward & Berry’s Austin Speakeasy Series, where she engages with key players in the government and technology sectors.