Preston Blair

Preston Blair supports the W6QK Acc-ri under the Department of the Army in managing critical procurement activities aligned with the modernization and sustainment of the U.S. Army’s industrial base for munitions and battlefield support systems. Responsible for executing complex acquisitions across advanced manufacturing and chemical production domains, Blair oversees contracts for ordnance components, precision-fabricated metal products, and mission-critical materials essential to weapons system readiness. Their work directly enables lifecycle support for fielded equipment, ensuring reliable access to high-integrity components used in ammunition production and maintenance operations. Blair maintains strategic relationships with a core group of specialized contractors including AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, FAXON MACHINING, LLC, PALANTIR USG INC, and Allied Metal Tech, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for niche manufacturers with deep expertise in defense-grade fabrication, chemical synthesis, and digital logistics solutions. The contracting approach emphasizes technical capability over volume, fostering long-term vendor collaboration with firms possessing specialized certifications and proven performance in high-stakes military environments. A balanced procurement strategy is evident in Blair’s consistent use of both open competitions and Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with each accounting for approximately half of all awards. This reflects a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses without compromising mission-critical performance standards. While no other socioeconomic set-asides dominate, the agency’s structure encourages broad participation from qualified small manufacturers capable of meeting stringent defense specifications. The primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 325199 for organic chemical manufacturing and 325211 for plastics material and resin production, alongside 332313 for plate work manufacturing. These categories underscore expertise in procuring advanced polymers, specialty chemical formulations, and precision-machined metal components integral to munitions assembly, protective systems, and field-deployable hardware. Blair’s technical domain knowledge ensures acquisitions align with DoD standards for durability, safety, and interoperability across the battlefield ecosystem.