Major Jonathan Merrill

1LT Stephen Hendershot serves as a Project Officer within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in managing technical acquisitions for the sustainment and modernization of critical aerospace and space-based systems. Responsible for overseeing the lifecycle of guided missile systems, satellite communications platforms, and global positioning infrastructure, he ensures operational readiness through precise contract execution and technical oversight. His procurement activities center on research and development contracts that support advanced navigation, command and control systems, and next-generation space vehicle sustainment, bridging engineering requirements with acquisition strategy to meet urgent national defense needs. 1LT Hendershot collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors specializing in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and space domain technologies. While specific vendor names are not publicly disclosed, his working relationships consistently involve prime contractors with proven expertise in classified and unclassified defense R&D, including firms with clearance levels and technical capabilities aligned with Air Force space and missile sustainment missions. He maintains a collaborative, performance-based contracting approach, emphasizing technical compliance, risk mitigation, and timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities. 1LT Hendershot’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict preference for non-set-aside acquisitions, with 100% of his procurements conducted under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the technologies involved and the need for access to the broadest possible pool of qualified technical vendors with advanced clearance and system integration capabilities. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, his team evaluates all offers based on technical merit, past performance, and mission alignment. His primary procurement focus is under NAICS 541712, encompassing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences—particularly in guidance systems, space-based sensor technologies, and secure communications architectures. He routinely procures advanced engineering services, prototype development, systems modeling, and technical analysis to sustain and enhance the Air Force’s space and missile infrastructure, demonstrating deep expertise in defense R&D acquisition and systems engineering lifecycle management.