Derek Thomas Hellauer

Derek Thomas Hellauer serves as a key procurement lead within the FA9401 377 Msg Pk unit of the Department of the Air Force, responsible for managing complex acquisitions of mission-critical aerospace and defense systems. He oversees the procurement of advanced analytical instrumentation, secure communications infrastructure, electronic warfare support equipment, and laboratory-grade testing systems essential to sustaining Air Force operational readiness. His role is central to modernizing sensor networks and ensuring the integrity of mission-critical data streams through timely, compliant contract actions aligned with Department of Defense acquisition directives. Hellauer maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized contractors including J STAR ENTERPRISES INC, LARON, LLC, FIVEBYFIVE, LLC, VISION DISTRIBUTORS LLC, and Boh Environmental, L.L.C. These vendors provide niche capabilities in high-reliability instrumentation, professional-grade equipment distribution, and environmental compliance services tailored to military testing environments. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical expertise, quality assurance, and responsiveness to rapidly evolving operational requirements. A strong advocate for small business participation, Hellauer consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over 58% of his acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster innovation and resilience within the defense industrial base by empowering qualified small firms with specialized technical capabilities. His contracting patterns demonstrate a clear preference for socioeconomic programs that expand access to non-traditional defense suppliers. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), 423990 and 423490 (specialized durable goods and professional equipment wholesale), and 334220 (wireless communications equipment manufacturing). These categories reflect deep expertise in acquiring precision test equipment, secure RF systems, and mission-support hardware critical to electronic warfare, signal intelligence, and field-deployable laboratory operations.