Stephen Cooper

Stephen R. Cooper serves as a Contracting Officer within the FA2550 50 Cons Pkp unit of the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical aerospace and space systems. His portfolio encompasses the procurement of advanced satellite telecommunications, ground-based instrumentation, and secure communications infrastructure essential to national defense operations. Cooper manages full lifecycle acquisitions—from market research and solicitation to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with Air Force modernization priorities and DoD acquisition regulations. He specializes in complex technical procurements requiring stringent compliance with cybersecurity, interoperability, and performance standards for space and electronic warfare systems. Cooper’s contracting activity is primarily directed toward a diverse set of vendors, including the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and Blue Skies Furniture LLC, reflecting a broad scope of procurement needs that extend beyond traditional defense contractors. While his core focus remains on aerospace and communications technologies, his contract portfolio also includes ancillary services such as food service support and waste management, indicating a multifaceted operational support role. His working relationships are characterized by a pragmatic approach to vendor selection, balancing mission requirements with operational pragmatism across both commercial and public-sector suppliers. Cooper’s set-aside preferences reveal a strong emphasis on open competition, with 77.8% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. However, he consistently allocates 22.2% of his contracting activity to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to small business participation. While no specific 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB preferences are dominant, his pattern supports broad small business engagement without prioritizing niche socioeconomic categories. His primary NAICS focus areas include 511210 (Software Publishers), 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), and 722310 (Food Service Contractors), underscoring a dual emphasis on cutting-edge space communications technology and essential base operations support. He routinely procures precision electronic test equipment, secure data transmission systems, and mission-critical software solutions, reflecting deep expertise in space domain sustainment and integrated defense infrastructure.