Daniel B. Thelen

Daniel B. Thelen serves as a Contracting Officer for the 355th Contracting Squadron (FA4877) under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in sustaining airpower readiness through the acquisition of mission-critical infrastructure, maintenance services, and specialized equipment. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts supporting aircraft systems, base operations, and facility sustainment, ensuring operational continuity across aerospace installations. His work directly enables the readiness of aircrew and ground support personnel by securing reliable procurement solutions for technical and construction-related needs. Thelen maintains strong, ongoing relationships with key contractors including MILLER ELECTRIC COMPANY INC., ATLANTIC PACIFIC STANDARD LLC, DAP CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LLC, BSE PERFORMANCE, LLC, and LAVISH LIFE TECHNOLOGIES LLC. These partnerships reflect a balanced approach to sourcing, combining established industry performers with niche providers specializing in industrial maintenance, facility construction, and technical services. His contracting patterns indicate a preference for reliable vendors with proven capabilities in complex, mission-aligned environments, fostering long-term vendor collaboration grounded in performance and compliance. His procurement strategy demonstrates a near-equal commitment to open competition and small business set-asides, with 45.5% of awards issued under Total Small Business Set-Aside authority and 9.1% through 8(a) competed programs. This balanced approach underscores a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity while maintaining rigorous performance standards. Thelen consistently prioritizes socioeconomic contracting goals, ensuring qualified small, disadvantaged, and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses have meaningful access to Air Force acquisition opportunities. Thelen’s primary procurement focus lies in construction and maintenance sectors, with dominant NAICS codes in Water and Sewer Line Construction (237110), Commercial and Institutional Building Construction (236220), and Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair (811310). He routinely manages contracts for infrastructure modernization, roofing, septic systems, and industrial equipment servicing—domains critical to sustaining operational bases and mission-enabling facilities. His expertise spans civil works, facility maintenance, and technical support services essential to Air Force infrastructure resilience.