Shawn MacRunnel

Shawn MacRunnel serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisition strategies to sustain and modernize critical aerospace and space-based defense systems. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle management of contracts for research, development, and engineering services supporting guided missile systems, satellite communications, and global positioning infrastructure. MacRunnel specializes in securing technical solutions that ensure operational readiness of national security platforms, frequently managing sole-source and competitive procurements under FAR Part 15 procedures for high-consequence, mission-critical capabilities. MacRunnel maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse pool of defense contractors specializing in systems engineering, advanced navigation technologies, and space domain awareness. He works closely with prime contractors possessing Top Secret clearance and DoD 8500.2 compliance, often partnering with firms that bring deep expertise in RF systems, signal processing, and space vehicle sustainment. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, risk mitigation, and performance-based contracting to ensure mission success across rapidly evolving threat environments. MacRunnel’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. This reflects a mission-driven priority to access the broadest possible talent pool for highly specialized technical requirements, where only a limited number of vendors possess the necessary security clearances, proprietary technologies, or heritage systems knowledge. While small business participation is not mandated through set-asides, he actively encourages subcontracting opportunities for qualified small businesses as part of prime contractor performance plans. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he consistently acquires advanced engineering services for space and missile systems. His domain expertise spans guidance and control systems, satellite payload integration, and command and control architecture modernization, ensuring alignment with Air Force Space Command’s strategic sustainment objectives.