Brad Vargo

Brad Vargo serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8214 Afnwc Pzbb, a specialized unit of the Department of the Air Force responsible for the development, integration, and lifecycle sustainment of guided missile propulsion systems, space vehicle components, and associated avionics and power infrastructure. His role centers on managing complex acquisition programs that support critical national defense capabilities, with a focus on engineering-driven contracts for advanced propulsion technologies, explosive components, and mission-critical hardware. He oversees the full acquisition lifecycle—from requirements definition and source selection to contract award and performance monitoring—ensuring alignment with Air Force space and missile modernization priorities. Vargo collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense industrial base partners, including Tier 1 aerospace and defense manufacturers, specialized explosives suppliers, and niche engineering firms capable of delivering high-reliability components under stringent military specifications. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his contracting patterns reflect a preference for technically capable vendors with proven experience in rocket motor fabrication, solid propellant handling, and space-qualified avionics integration. His working relationships are characterized by long-term technical collaboration and rigorous compliance with DoD acquisition regulations. Vargo’s procurement activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of contracts awarded under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the systems he acquires, where only a limited pool of qualified vendors possess the required technical certifications, security clearances, and manufacturing capabilities. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, he maintains compliance with all applicable small business goals and occasionally engages qualified small businesses capable of meeting exacting technical requirements. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336419 (Other Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), which accounts for 75% of his activity, alongside specialized contracts in explosives manufacturing (325920) and industrial machinery repair (811310). He routinely procures high-energy propellants, thrust vector control systems, ignition assemblies, and radiation-hardened power subsystems, demonstrating deep expertise in missile and space systems engineering domains.