Emily Shanks

Emily Shanks serves as a key procurement professional within the FA8622 Aflcmc Azs Epass, a specialized unit of the Department of the Air Force responsible for life cycle management of high-priority aerospace platforms including the F-16, F-22, and Survivable Airborne Operations Center. She oversees the acquisition of engineering and scientific research services critical to sustaining and modernizing these mission-critical systems. Her portfolio centers on technical advisory support, systems engineering, and advanced aerospace R&D, ensuring that cutting-edge capabilities are integrated into operational fleets through compliant, performance-based contracting. She plays a pivotal role in aligning acquisition strategy with Air Force modernization priorities and technical readiness goals. Shanks collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of engineering and technical service providers, primarily small businesses with deep expertise in aerospace systems integration, avionics modernization, and survivability analysis. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, her contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms possessing DoD clearance, NIST-compliant cybersecurity practices, and proven experience in classified aerospace environments. She fosters long-term, performance-driven partnerships that emphasize innovation, rapid prototyping, and agile development methodologies. Her procurement strategy is fully aligned with small business set-aside requirements under FAR 19.5, with 100% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate and sustained commitment to socioeconomic diversity, prioritizing participation from 8(a), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) with niche technical capabilities. Her approach ensures broad access to contracting opportunities while maintaining rigorous technical standards. Shanks exclusively procures services under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), focusing on systems engineering, technical analysis, digital thread integration, and live-virtual-constructive (LVC) simulation support. Her domain expertise lies in advanced aerospace platforms, with an emphasis on radar signature reduction, electronic warfare integration, and sustainment engineering for legacy and next-generation aircraft systems.