Christopher Cherry

Christopher Cherry serves as Deputy Chief for the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL within the Department of the Air Force, where he oversees the acquisition and sustainment of critical aerospace and space-based systems essential to national defense. In this leadership capacity, he directs the planning, execution, and contract administration of technical procurements focused on maintaining operational readiness of guided missile systems, satellite communications platforms, and global positioning infrastructure. His portfolio encompasses complex, mission-critical contracts for advanced radio and wireless communications equipment, ensuring the enduring capability of space and air dominance systems through timely and compliant procurement practices. While specific contractor relationships are not publicly enumerated, Cherry’s office maintains consistent engagement with prime contractors specializing in defense-grade radio frequency systems, satellite transceivers, and secure command and control hardware. These partnerships typically involve Tier-1 aerospace and defense integrators with proven expertise in MIL-STD compliance, electromagnetic compatibility, and ruggedized electronics manufacturing. The contracting environment emphasizes technical rigor, lifecycle sustainment, and supply chain resilience, with a preference for vendors possessing deep domain knowledge in military-grade wireless communications. Cherry’s office exhibits no set-aside preferences, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on technical capability and mission urgency over socioeconomic set-asides, aligning with the high-stakes nature of space and missile sustainment programs. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in procurement structure, vendors of all sizes are evaluated solely on technical merit, past performance, and ability to meet stringent defense specifications. The agency’s procurement activity is exclusively focused on NAICS 334220—Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing—indicating a narrow, specialized domain centered on the design, integration, and sustainment of military radio systems, satellite terminals, and secure data links. Cherry’s expertise lies in managing complex technical acquisitions requiring compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards, spectrum allocation regulations, and space system interoperability protocols.