Gary F. Ethridge

Gary F. Ethridge serves as a Contracts Specialist within the FA8773 Acc 38 Cons agency under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a critical role in executing procurements that enable cyberspace operations, space security, and mission-critical IT infrastructure. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of acquisition actions—from solicitation through contract award and administration—for technical services supporting high-tempo cyber and space domains. Ethridge specializes in securing advanced computing systems, secure communications platforms, and facility-based IT solutions essential to sustaining Air Force readiness and formalized cyber operations training programs. Ethridge maintains a consistent working relationship with Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, a key contractor providing specialized cyber and space systems integration services. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven expertise in defense-grade IT environments, while maintaining a competitive and transparent acquisition process. He engages with vendors capable of delivering secure, scalable, and compliant solutions for sensitive computing infrastructures, ensuring alignment with DoD cybersecurity standards and operational requirements. His contracting approach prioritizes open competition, with 66.7% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, reflecting a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic classification. However, he actively incorporates 8(a) competed contracts, demonstrating a measured commitment to small business participation, particularly when vendor expertise aligns with mission-critical needs. This balanced strategy ensures access to innovative solutions while maintaining rigorous performance standards. Ethridge’s procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), where he acquires custom cyber infrastructure design, network architecture, and secure system integration services. He also regularly procures under NAICS 511210 for software publishing and customized cybersecurity applications. His domain expertise centers on mission-critical IT environments requiring compliance with NIST, FISMA, and DoD RMF frameworks, ensuring that all acquired solutions support secure, resilient, and operationally ready cyber and space capabilities.