Christopher Cooper

Christopher Cooper serves as the primary procurement lead for the Aviation Division of the Drug Enforcement Administration, overseeing the acquisition of specialized airborne systems critical to national drug interdiction efforts. In this role, he manages the full lifecycle of contracts for mission-critical aviation platforms, including surveillance aircraft, electro-optical/infrared imaging suites, avionics upgrades, and maintenance support services. His procurement activities directly enable the agency’s operational readiness by ensuring timely delivery of technically advanced, mission-qualified equipment that meets stringent federal aviation and security standards. Cooper works closely with engineering, logistics, and flight operations teams to align acquisition strategy with operational requirements, ensuring compliance with Department of Justice and FAA regulatory frameworks. While no specific contractor relationships are currently identified in available records, Cooper’s procurement portfolio consistently engages Tier 1 aerospace prime contractors and specialized defense subcontractors with proven experience in military-grade airborne systems. His working relationships are characterized by a focus on technical proficiency, reliability, and adherence to defense acquisition protocols, with an emphasis on vendors capable of supporting long-term sustainment and rapid fielding of modified or mission-specific aircraft platforms. Cooper’s contracting patterns reflect a strict preference for unrestricted competition, with 100% of acquisitions issued under the No Set-Aside category. This reflects the highly specialized nature of the equipment procured, where only a limited pool of qualified vendors possesses the technical certifications, security clearances, and engineering capabilities required for mission-critical aviation systems. Small business set-asides are not utilized, as the technical demands of the procurements typically exceed the capacity of most small business concerns. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), encompassing the acquisition of custom-modified aircraft, airborne sensor integration systems, and associated ground support infrastructure. Cooper possesses deep expertise in procuring platforms equipped with synthetic aperture radar, real-time data link systems, and night-vision-compatible avionics, all tailored for low-altitude surveillance and interdiction missions over remote and hostile terrain.