David Starr

David T. Starr serves as Contracts Manager for FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL within 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 portfolio centers on sustaining guided missile systems, satellite communications platforms, and advanced navigation infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness through timely and compliant contracting actions. Starr manages complex procurements spanning engineering services, systems integration, and specialized equipment manufacturing, aligning acquisitions with Air Force modernization priorities and defense acquisition regulations. He plays a pivotal role in translating technical requirements into executable contract vehicles that support mission-critical capabilities across global operational theaters. Starr cultivates strategic partnerships with a diverse base of contractors specializing in defense aerospace and space systems, including prime contractors with deep expertise in guided missile manufacturing, space vehicle sustainment, and mission-critical R&D. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and risk mitigation through robust contract administration and contractor performance evaluations. While no single vendor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages firms with proven track records in delivering high-reliability systems under stringent DoD compliance standards, fostering long-term vendor collaboration grounded in technical proficiency and accountability. Starr demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly 29% of his acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate emphasis on small business participation. He actively prioritizes opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses and other eligible entities, ensuring equitable access to defense contracting while maintaining mission integrity. His set-aside patterns indicate a balanced approach—favoring small business inclusion without compromising technical or schedule requirements. His procurement focus is concentrated in three core NAICS categories: 336414 for guided missile and space vehicle manufacturing, 333415 for specialized environmental control systems, and 541712 for engineering and physical sciences R&D. These reflect his domain expertise in sustaining advanced aerospace platforms, integrating mission-specific heating and cooling systems, and supporting innovation in space and missile technologies through targeted research contracts.