Dan Harkins

Dan Harkins serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8629 AFLCMC Wisk SOF/PR office under the Department of the Air Force, where he manages acquisitions critical to advancing airborne and special operations capabilities. His responsibilities center on securing next-generation communications systems, unmanned aerial platforms, and mission-critical avionics that enhance situational awareness and secure command and control for special warfare units. He oversees the full lifecycle of technical contracts, from requirement validation through contract award and performance monitoring, ensuring alignment with Air Force modernization priorities in electronic warfare, secure data links, and integrated sensor architectures. Harkins collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, including prime systems integrators and specialized engineering firms with deep expertise in RF systems, embedded computing, and secure firmware development. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages vendors capable of rapid prototyping, agile development, and classified system integration under strict ITAR and FISMA controls. His working relationships emphasize technical agility, proven performance in austere environments, and the ability to meet urgent operational needs with minimal lead time. Harkins’ procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions designated as no set-aside. This indicates a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing mission-critical performance and speed of delivery. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, vendors of all sizes must demonstrate proven technical competence and compliance with defense acquisition regulations. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences) and 541330 (engineering services), reflecting a heavy emphasis on advanced research, prototype development, and systems engineering for next-generation airborne electronics. He routinely procures secure wireless networks, signal processing hardware, ruggedized computing modules, and integrated mission systems tailored for special operations aircraft and unmanned platforms.