Devin R. Powner

Devin R. Powner serves as a key procurement lead within the 4th Combat Communications Squadron (FA4809), supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to sustain resilient, secure, and expeditionary communications infrastructure for air operations. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions of advanced radio systems, aircraft subsystems, and mission-critical security services, Powner ensures that contracting actions align with operational readiness requirements and modernization priorities. His portfolio includes high-priority technical procurements involving secure broadcast systems, field-deployable communication networks, and specialized engineering services essential to combat communications readiness. Powner maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including Solomon Engineering, Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, and Western Metal Supply Company, Inc., among others. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in defense-grade communications hardware, aircraft integration, and field-installation services. His contracting approach emphasizes reliability, technical compliance, and rapid response capabilities, often favoring contractors with prior DoD experience and demonstrated performance in austere environments. A strong advocate for small business participation, Powner consistently prioritizes small business set-asides, with nearly 60% of awards designated for total small business contracts under FAR 19.5. He actively supports service-disabled veteran-owned and women-owned small businesses, reflecting a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic diversity in vendor selection. His contracting patterns demonstrate a balanced approach that integrates small business innovation with the scalability required for mission-critical systems. Powner’s technical focus centers on NAICS categories including 236220 (commercial building construction for communications facilities), 238210 (electrical and wiring installation for secure sites), and 541513 (computer facilities management). He regularly procures specialized services related to testing laboratories, engine equipment integration, and secure infrastructure deployment, underscoring expertise in both physical and cyber-physical systems essential to combat communications operations.