Lt Col Ben Califf

Lt. Col. Ben Califf serves as a key acquisition leader within the FA8620 AFLCMC Wijk Big Safari program, a high-priority Department of Defense initiative focused on accelerating the rapid development and fielding of classified airborne systems for special operations and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. He oversees the procurement of mission-critical avionics, sensor integration packages, secure communications suites, and modified aircraft platforms—primarily C-130 and MQ-9 variants—operating outside traditional acquisition timelines to meet urgent operational needs. His role is central to enabling agile modernization, bridging technical innovation with rapid contract execution to support time-sensitive national security objectives. Califf works closely with a network of defense prime contractors and specialized systems integrators experienced in classified aerospace environments, including firms with TS/SCI clearance and experience in electronic warfare, SIGINT, and datalink modernization. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven track records in rapid prototyping, field modification, and secure software/hardware integration, often leveraging Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and urgent capability acquisition pathways to bypass conventional contracting delays. There is no indication of set-aside preferences; all known awards are issued under full and open competition, reflecting the program’s operational urgency and stringent security requirements that limit participation to cleared, technically capable entities. Small business participation is not formally prioritized due to the specialized nature of the missions and the need for immediate capability insertion. The program’s procurement focus centers on NAICS categories including 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), 541715 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), and 541330 (Engineering Services), with heavy emphasis on embedded systems, secure data links, EO/IR sensor integration, and mission computer modernization. Califf’s expertise lies in managing complex, classified technical acquisitions under extreme time constraints, ensuring that cutting-edge capabilities reach operational units with minimal latency.