1Lt Jacob McDermott

1Lt Jacob McDermott serves as Program Manager for the FA8621 Aflcmc Wnsk Sims, a critical unit within the Department of the Air Force responsible for sustaining and modernizing advanced aircrew training systems and integrated avionics infrastructure. In this role, he oversees the full lifecycle of acquisition programs for mission-critical simulation platforms, synthetic training environments, and embedded logistics support systems that ensure pilot and maintenance crew readiness across high-performance aircraft fleets. His procurement focus centers on complex, technology-integrated contracts requiring rigorous systems engineering, cybersecurity compliance, and sustainment planning to maintain operational superiority. McDermott collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors specializing in aerospace simulation, avionics integration, and mission training systems. He routinely engages prime contractors with proven expertise in modeling and simulation, real-time data fusion, and open-architecture avionics, fostering long-term partnerships built on technical rigor and performance-based outcomes. His contracting approach emphasizes collaboration with industry leaders capable of delivering scalable, interoperable solutions aligned with Air Force modernization roadmaps. His procurement portfolio reflects a strict preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission urgency over socioeconomic categorizations, prioritizing performance, innovation, and rapid fielding over targeted small business set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. McDermott’s primary technical domain centers on NAICS categories related to aerospace simulation (541715), defense electronics (334220), and military training systems (541330). He procures advanced flight simulators, distributed training networks, embedded diagnostics, and synthetic mission rehearsal systems, demonstrating deep expertise in avionics modernization, digital twin integration, and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) training architectures. His work ensures the Air Force’s training infrastructure remains adaptive, secure, and aligned with next-generation combat airpower requirements.