Michael Carter

Michael Carter serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8534 Aflcmc Wnkac, a critical unit of the Department of the Air Force responsible for sustaining and modernizing expeditionary airfield capabilities and mission-critical aviation infrastructure. He manages complex acquisitions for specialized aircraft support systems, air transportable logistics equipment, and field-deployable environmental and operational systems essential to global airpower readiness. His portfolio centers on industrial and technical procurement requiring rigorous compliance with defense standards, with a focus on rapid deployment and operational resilience. Carter’s work directly enables the Air Force’s ability to establish and maintain functional airfields in austere environments. He maintains consistent contracting relationships with industry leaders such as HYDRAULICS INTERNATIONAL, INC., AAR MANUFACTURING, INC., TAC INDUSTRIES INC, and SELECTTECH SERVICES CORPORATION, all of which provide high-reliability mechanical, electro-mechanical, and field-deployable systems. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven track records in military-grade manufacturing and logistics support, often involving performance-based contracting and technical evaluation panels to ensure mission-critical specifications are met. While the majority of his acquisitions are conducted under open competition—approximately 75% without set-asides—he actively supports small business participation, with roughly 25% of awards allocated to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This balanced approach ensures competitive pricing while fostering capable small business entrants in defense supply chains. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 333924 (Industrial Truck, Tractor, Trailer, and Stacker Machinery Manufacturing), reflecting heavy demand for mobile ground support equipment, and NAICS 334515 (Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals), indicating a strong need for diagnostic, monitoring, and power management systems. His technical expertise spans aviation ground support, field-deployable power systems, and precision instrumentation critical to expeditionary air operations.