Alex W. Kephart

Alex W. Kephart serves as a Contracting Specialist within the FA7000 10 Cons Lgc under the Department of the Air Force, responsible for procuring precision instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and specialized technical systems critical to aerospace research and cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation to award and contract administration—ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission to sustain cutting-edge analytical capabilities and facility modernization. His portfolio primarily encompasses high-accuracy measurement devices, training simulators, and technical infrastructure essential to operational readiness and scientific integrity. Kephart maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including SAWASAWA LLC, BERNARD CAP, LLC, TEAL DRONES INC, BRANSCOME OPERATING, LLC, and LAVISION, INC., each recognized for their expertise in advanced instrumentation, unmanned systems, and scientific equipment. His contracting approach emphasizes technical proficiency and reliability, often engaging niche suppliers capable of delivering custom or mission-critical solutions. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven capabilities in aerospace-grade hardware and laboratory-grade systems, fostering long-term collaboration grounded in performance and compliance. A strong advocate for small business participation, Kephart directs 75% of his acquisitions toward Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, prioritizing economic inclusion and innovation from small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms. His socioeconomic contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to expand the supplier base while ensuring competitive, compliant outcomes aligned with federal mandates. This commitment enhances resilience in the supply chain and supports the development of emerging technologies through small business engagement. His primary NAICS focus areas include 339920 (Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing), 337127 (Institutional Furniture Manufacturing), and 332321 (Metal Window and Door Manufacturing), reflecting a unique blend of procurement needs spanning training equipment, facility upgrades, and infrastructure components. Despite the atypical alignment of some NAICS codes with aerospace missions, these categories support cadet physical training, laboratory ergonomics, and facility maintenance, demonstrating Kephart’s nuanced understanding of mission-adjacent procurement requirements.