Daryl Akutagawa

Daryl Akutagawa serves as Contract Manager for the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, where he oversees the acquisition and lifecycle management of critical aerospace and space-based systems essential to national defense. His role centers on ensuring the operational readiness of guided missile platforms, satellite communications networks, and global positioning infrastructure through strategic contracting actions. Akutagawa manages complex procurements involving advanced avionics, navigation systems, and command and control electronics, coordinating with engineering, logistics, and program offices to align contractual deliverables with mission-critical timelines and technical specifications. Akutagawa cultivates long-term partnerships with defense prime contractors and specialized subsystem suppliers who deliver high-reliability electronics and embedded systems for military aerospace applications. He engages with vendors possessing AS9100 and ITAR compliance certifications, prioritizing those with proven track records in sustaining legacy and next-generation space and missile systems. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based acquisition methods, risk-sharing incentives, and continuous quality oversight to ensure mission success across extended operational lifecycles. His procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions conducted under non-set-aside authorities. While he does not routinely utilize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his focus remains on technical capability and mission assurance, ensuring that all awarded contracts meet stringent defense performance standards regardless of vendor size or certification status. Akutagawa’s primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 334220 (wireless communications equipment manufacturing) and 334511 (aeronautical and navigation system manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in RF systems, secure data links, inertial navigation units, and satellite terminal hardware. He routinely procures mission-critical components including phased-array antennas, GPS-denied navigation sensors, and hardened communication modules used in airborne, space, and ground-based defense platforms. His technical acumen ensures that acquisitions align with evolving threats and emerging technologies in electronic warfare and space domain awareness.