Jon Shepard

Jon Shepard serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4417 1 Socons under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions for advanced communications systems, aeronautical navigation equipment, and integrated base defense technologies. He manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with Air Force modernization goals and national defense priorities. His portfolio emphasizes secure, resilient, and interoperable systems that sustain air operations, with a strong focus on radio and wireless infrastructure, electronic warfare support, and mission-enabling hardware. Shepard maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including AANTILIA LLC, MARRERO, COUVILLON & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., MATTHES PARKER LLC, L1 ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED, and WALCO ENTERPRISES INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in defense communications, systems integration, and logistics support. His contracting approach prioritizes performance-based outcomes and technical compliance, fostering collaborative engagements that ensure timely delivery of mission-essential capabilities under strict security and regulatory frameworks. A strong advocate for small business participation, Shepard consistently structures procurements to maximize socioeconomic opportunities, with over half of his awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While no single socioeconomic category dominates, his pattern reflects a deliberate effort to broaden vendor participation among small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms, reinforcing the Air Force’s commitment to inclusive contracting and industrial base resilience. His primary NAICS focus includes 336999 for specialized transportation equipment manufacturing and 721110 for lodging services supporting deployed personnel, alongside significant activity in 561730 for base landscaping and 811111 for automotive maintenance. These reflect a holistic approach to sustaining airfield and installation operations, blending high-tech defense systems with essential infrastructure support services to ensure operational readiness across all domains.