Demetri Harper

Demetri Harper serves as a Contract Specialist within U.S. Transportation Command (USTransCom), where he plays a critical role in executing the agency’s global mobility mission through the acquisition of air transportation services essential to military expeditionary logistics. He manages the full lifecycle of contract actions for nonscheduled chartered passenger air transportation, ensuring rapid deployment, personnel movement, and sustainment support across all operational theaters. His work directly enables theater access and force readiness by securing reliable, on-demand air mobility solutions that align with DoD strategic priorities in port and terminal operations and global force projection. Harper maintains consistent contracting relationships with specialized aviation providers including UNCOMN LLC, PHOENIX AIR GROUP, INC., RAMPART AVIATION, LLC, FANCIULLI EGISTO S.R.L., and MOUNTAIN AVIATION, LLC. These vendors are selected for their capacity to deliver flexible, mission-critical air charter services under dynamic operational conditions, often requiring rapid mobilization, international regulatory compliance, and aircraft customization for military passenger and cargo transport. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, with a focus on reliability, safety, and operational responsiveness. Harper’s acquisition portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. While he does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, his contracting strategy prioritizes mission necessity and vendor capability over socioeconomic criteria, ensuring the highest operational readiness outcomes. His primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 481211 — Nonscheduled Chartered Passenger Air Transportation — where he specializes in acquiring on-demand air services for military personnel, dignitaries, and contingency operations. His expertise lies in evaluating aircraft suitability, crew qualifications, international overflight permissions, and emergency response capabilities, making him a key technical authority in military air mobility contracting.