Gerswin Zapata

SSgt Gerswin Zapata supports the procurement mission of the 316th Contracting Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, serving as a key liaison in securing mission-critical infrastructure and operational support services for the Department of the Air Force. His responsibilities include managing the acquisition of security systems, communications hardware, and facility maintenance solutions essential to sustaining air operations readiness. Zapata routinely handles task orders and basic ordering agreements under indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts, ensuring compliance with Air Force installation standards and DoD acquisition regulations. He plays a vital role in aligning contracting actions with the agency’s focus on integrated command, control, and communications (C3) capabilities. Zapata maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of vendors, including ZERO WASTE SOLUTIONS, INC, SENECA MINERAL COMPANY, and PELICAN CHEMICALS INC., who provide specialized environmental, industrial, and chemical support services. These partnerships reflect a preference for contractors with proven expertise in hazardous material handling, facility decontamination, and infrastructure upkeep. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor reliability, often leveraging existing blanket purchase agreements to streamline procurement cycles while maintaining rigorous quality control. A strong advocate for small business participation, Zapata consistently structures procurements with a 64.3% total small business set-aside rate, prioritizing contracts eligible under FAR 19.5. His portfolio reflects a deliberate strategy to maximize opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and other socioeconomic categories, ensuring broad vendor engagement while maintaining mission-critical standards. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS codes related to commercial and industrial machinery repair (811310), medical and dental equipment wholesaling (423450), and surgical appliance manufacturing (339113), indicating a unique blend of facility maintenance and health-support logistics needs. This technical specialization underscores his expertise in procuring specialized industrial and medical-grade equipment that supports both operational infrastructure and personnel readiness at a high-security Air Force installation.