Derek R Henson

Derek R. Henson serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4418 628 Cons Pk unit of the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to sustain and modernize infrastructure at Joint Base Charleston and associated installations. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of construction and facility support contracts, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations, and aligning acquisitions with strategic priorities in airfield resilience, utility systems, and base modernization. He specializes in soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts for civil engineering and infrastructure services that directly support operational readiness and environmental compliance. Henson maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors, including MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC for site development and civil works, PROTECT KITCHEN EXHAUST CLEANING, LLC for facility maintenance services, ACCESS PORTABLE TOILETS INC for temporary sanitation solutions, and ML Armaments LLC for specialized security and defense-related equipment. His procurement approach emphasizes reliability, performance-based outcomes, and long-term vendor partnerships that deliver mission-critical results under tight operational timelines. A strong advocate for socioeconomic contracting, Henson prioritizes HUBZone set-asides in 75% of his acquisitions, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to empowering businesses located in historically underutilized economic zones. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to increase small business participation while maintaining rigorous performance standards, with only 25% of awards issued as no-set-aside actions. His primary technical focus lies in NAICS 237310 (Highway, Street, and Bridge Construction), where he oversees complex infrastructure projects requiring coordination with environmental, geotechnical, and transportation engineering disciplines. He also manages acquisitions under NAICS 333921 (Elevator and Moving Stairway Manufacturing), ensuring compliance with safety and accessibility standards in military facility upgrades. Henson’s expertise spans civil construction, facility systems integration, and mission-enabling infrastructure services critical to Air Force operational continuity.