Alex Berry

2nd Lt Alex Berry serves as a junior contracting officer within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, supporting the sustainment and modernization of critical aerospace and space-based systems. Responsible for executing acquisition actions for research and development initiatives, Berry ensures technical solutions align with operational requirements for guided missile systems, satellite communications, and global navigation infrastructure. Their role involves managing the full lifecycle of engineering and scientific contracts, from requirements validation through contract award and performance oversight, directly contributing to the agency’s mission of maintaining space and missile system readiness. While specific contractor relationships are not yet established due to early-career status, Berry works collaboratively with senior contracting professionals to engage qualified vendors in advanced aerospace R&D. They routinely interface with defense prime contractors and specialized engineering firms with expertise in space systems integration, RF communications, and precision navigation technologies. Their working style emphasizes technical due diligence, compliance with FAR and AFMC acquisition policies, and close coordination with technical stakeholders to ensure contract deliverables meet mission-critical performance standards. Berry’s procurement activities reflect a 100% focus on open competition, with no set-asides currently utilized. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the technical requirements and the limited pool of qualified entities capable of delivering advanced aerospace R&D solutions. While small business participation is not currently a primary focus, the office maintains awareness of socioeconomic programs and may incorporate them as technical capabilities evolve or as new vendors emerge in niche domains. The agency’s sole NAICS focus is 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Biotechnology)—indicating Berry’s portfolio centers on fundamental and applied engineering research. They procure services including systems modeling, signal processing algorithms, radiation-hardened electronics development, and prototype testing for space-based command and control architectures, demonstrating deep alignment with next-generation Air Force space and missile sustainment priorities.