Derek R Henson

Derek R. Henson serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4690 28 Cons Pkc unit of the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to sustain installation infrastructure and operational readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for industrial maintenance, security systems, communications hardware, and facility support services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and Air Force-specific requirements. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain environmental control systems, repair critical machinery, and ensure the reliability of Air Force installations through timely and compliant contracting. Henson maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including Ostrom Painting & Sandblasting, Inc., and Astronics Test Systems Inc., reflecting a preference for specialized vendors with proven expertise in industrial surface treatment and avionics test equipment. His contracting patterns emphasize long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical capability, performance history, and adherence to quality standards, fostering reliable service delivery across high-priority maintenance and sustainment projects. He demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 75% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and 25% designated specifically for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. This deliberate allocation reflects a strategic emphasis on expanding opportunities for qualified small businesses while ensuring access to niche capabilities critical to Air Force operations. His procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 423920 (Toy and Hobby Goods and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers), which, despite its classification, is leveraged for specialized components used in training and simulation systems, and NAICS 488190 (Other Support Activities for Air Transportation), where he procures ground support equipment and logistics services essential to airfield operations. His expertise lies in bridging commercial supply chains with military technical requirements, ensuring mission-essential goods and services are procured with precision and regulatory integrity.