Aine Akeley Nakai

Aine Akeley Nakai serves as Contract Manager for the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL within the Department of the Air Force, where she oversees the acquisition and lifecycle management of critical aerospace and space-based sustainment contracts. Her role is central to ensuring the operational readiness of guided missile systems, satellite communications platforms, and global positioning infrastructure. Nakai manages complex, mission-critical procurements spanning systems engineering, logistics support, maintenance modernization, and command and control upgrades, often requiring compliance with defense acquisition regulations and technical specifications for classified and sensitive defense environments. She works closely with technical stakeholders to align contracting strategies with operational requirements and force modernization timelines. Nakai collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors, including prime systems integrators, specialized aerospace maintenance providers, and niche technology firms capable of supporting classified space and missile sustainment programs. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for long-term, performance-based service contracts that emphasize reliability, technical innovation, and rapid response capabilities. She routinely engages with vendors possessing ITAR and DD2345 compliance, as well as those with proven track records in sustaining legacy and next-generation defense platforms. While specific set-aside data is not available, Nakai’s procurement approach aligns with Department of the Air Force mandates to promote small business participation, including 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB certification programs. She actively seeks opportunities to integrate qualified small businesses into subcontracting networks, particularly in areas requiring specialized technical expertise or geographically dispersed support services. Her industry focus centers on NAICS categories related to aerospace product and parts manufacturing, defense electronics, and satellite communications support services. Nakai specializes in procuring advanced navigation systems, secure data links, ground station upgrades, and embedded sustainment solutions for space and missile assets, demonstrating deep technical fluency in DoD acquisition frameworks and space domain sustainment challenges.