Donald Perkins

Donald Perkins serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA8656 Aflcmc Ebx, a critical unit under the Department of the Air Force responsible for accelerating the development and fielding of next-generation strike systems. In this role, he manages the full lifecycle of complex procurement actions for advanced missile systems, guided munitions, and hypersonic weapon components, ensuring alignment with national defense priorities and rapid prototyping mandates. His acquisitions focus on high-priority technical domains requiring stringent compliance with DoD acquisition regulations, including defense-specific FAR clauses and technical performance metrics tied to system integration and reliability. Perkins works closely with a network of Tier 1 defense prime contractors and specialized subcontractors experienced in precision ammunition manufacturing and guided missile production. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical oversight, and risk mitigation in high-consequence weapon systems procurement. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his relationships are characterized by long-term engagement with firms possessing proven capabilities in aerospace propulsion, warhead design, and weapon-aircraft interface systems, often requiring security clearances and export control compliance. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions designated as “No Set-Aside,” indicating a strategic focus on technical merit and industrial capacity over socioeconomic set-asides. This approach prioritizes mission-critical capability over socioeconomic criteria, aligning with the agency’s urgency to field advanced strike systems. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in his portfolio, he maintains compliance with all applicable small business outreach requirements. Perkins specializes in NAICS 332993 (Ammunition Manufacturing) and 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing), procuring high-explosive warheads, rocket motors, guidance systems, and integrated strike packages. His technical expertise spans propulsion, terminal guidance, and hypersonic aerodynamics, making him a key liaison between engineering teams and acquisition execution in the pursuit of next-generation deterrence capabilities.