Kristofer Cowles, II

Kristofer Cowles serves as a key procurement professional within the Defense Logistics Agency’s Aerospace Energy office (SPE601), responsible for securing critical energy and gas supply chains essential to DoD operational readiness. He manages acquisitions of high-purity industrial gases—including aviator breathing oxygen, liquid nitrogen, and liquid oxygen—as well as rocket-grade propellants and associated storage and logistics infrastructure. His work directly supports the reliability of aerospace and defense systems by ensuring uninterrupted access to mission-critical cryogenic and gaseous fuels, aligning with DLA Energy’s strategic imperative to sustain air and space operations worldwide. Cowles maintains longstanding relationships with specialized industrial gas suppliers, notably OKANO, K.K., TOHSAN CO., LTD., and AIRGAS USA, LLC, which are primary vendors for advanced gas purification, cryogenic delivery, and hazardous material handling services. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established technical partners with proven capabilities in aerospace-grade gas manufacturing and compliant logistics, often requiring stringent quality certifications such as ASTM, MIL-SPEC, and ISO standards. These vendor partnerships are characterized by long-term contract performance, technical compliance, and supply chain resilience. A strong advocate for small business participation, Cowles consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over two-thirds of his acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This pattern underscores a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for qualified small manufacturers and distributors within the industrial gas and energy sectors, fostering innovation and competitive diversity in the defense supply base. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 324110 (Petroleum Refineries) and 325120 (Industrial Gas Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in the production and distribution of high-purity gases and energy-dense propellants. He specializes in acquiring complex, regulated commodities requiring precise technical specifications, hazardous material handling protocols, and just-in-time delivery systems critical to military aviation and launch operations.