Cassandra L. Way

Cassandra L. Way serves as a Contracting Officer within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, where she is responsible for managing the acquisition lifecycle of critical aerospace and space-based systems essential to national defense. Her portfolio centers on sustaining and modernizing guided missile platforms, satellite communications infrastructure, and global positioning systems, ensuring operational readiness through technically complex, mission-critical contracts. She oversees full-spectrum procurements—from research and development to production and sustainment—often involving advanced propulsion systems, space vehicle integration, and command, control, and communications technologies. Her role is pivotal in aligning acquisition strategies with Air Force space and missile sustainment priorities. Cassandra collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors specializing in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and advanced manufacturing. While no single vendor dominates her award profile, she consistently engages prime contractors with proven expertise in guided missile systems, space vehicle fabrication, and propulsion technology. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical proficiency, performance accountability, and lifecycle support, fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering high-reliability systems under stringent defense standards. Cassandra’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions designated as non-set-aside. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission necessity over socioeconomic categorization, though she remains compliant with all federal small business requirements. Her approach prioritizes performance outcomes and system readiness, ensuring that competition remains open to all qualified offerors regardless of size or certification. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), 336414 (guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing), 336415 (propulsion unit manufacturing), and 927110 (space research and technology). She routinely procures advanced propulsion systems, space vehicle avionics, guidance and navigation hardware, and mission-critical software for space and missile sustainment, demonstrating deep expertise in defense aerospace engineering and systems integration.