Lt. Darren Ostrander

Lt. Darren Ostrander serves as a key procurement lead within the 4th Combat Communications Squadron (FA4809), supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to sustain secure, resilient communications infrastructure for air operations. He manages the acquisition of mission-critical aerospace and communications systems, including aircraft subsystems, secure radio and broadcast equipment, and auxiliary power and control components. His role is central to maintaining operational readiness through timely, compliant procurement of specialized technical systems that enable expeditionary communications and command-and-control capabilities in contested environments. Ostrander maintains consistent partnerships with a select group of defense-focused contractors, including Solomon Engineering, Inc., Textron Systems Corporation, and Western Metal Supply Company, Inc., which provide advanced avionics, metal components, and mission-critical subsystems. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in military-grade communications and aerospace manufacturing, while also engaging specialized small businesses for niche technical services and fabrication. He fosters long-term vendor relationships grounded in technical reliability and compliance with defense acquisition regulations. A strong advocate for small business participation, Ostrander consistently structures solicitations with a 58.3% total small business set-aside rate under FAR 19.5, prioritizing opportunities for SDVOSBs, HUBZone firms, and other certified small entities. His contracting approach reflects a deliberate strategy to expand the defense industrial base by integrating capable small businesses into the supply chain for critical communications and support systems. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 336413 (other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing) and 517312 (wireless telecommunications carriers), indicating deep expertise in airborne communication hardware and secure data transmission systems. He also regularly procures switchgear, prefabricated metal components, and conveying equipment essential to field-deployable infrastructure, demonstrating specialized knowledge in both aerospace engineering and tactical communications architecture.