Stephen Planer

Stephen Planer serves as a Contracting Specialist within the FA8773 Acc 38 Cons organization under the Department of the Air Force, where he manages mission-critical acquisitions supporting cyberspace operations, space security, and secure IT infrastructure. His portfolio focuses on procuring advanced technical services and specialized equipment to sustain high-tempo cyber and space training environments, including formalized cyber operations curricula, secure communications systems, and hardened computing facilities. Planer ensures compliance with DoD acquisition regulations while aligning contract vehicles with strategic priorities in national defense readiness, emphasizing agility, cybersecurity resilience, and mission-specific performance requirements. Planer maintains a consistent working relationship with Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, a primary contractor delivering integrated cyber training systems and mission-enabling IT solutions. His procurement approach favors established vendors with proven expertise in defense-grade cyber infrastructure, secure software development, and specialized hardware integration. These partnerships are built on technical reliability, compliance with NIST and FISMA standards, and the ability to support rapid fielding in classified and sensitive environments. Planer’s contracting activity reflects a 100% non-set-aside profile, indicating a strategic focus on full and open competition to ensure access to the highest-capability industry providers. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his awards remain open to all qualified vendors, with selection driven by technical merit, past performance, and mission alignment rather than socioeconomic criteria. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), encompassing cyber training development, network security services, and mission analysis support. He also regularly acquires professional management development training under NAICS 611430 and electronic computer manufacturing under NAICS 334111, reflecting deep expertise in procuring both services and hardware for hardened, mission-critical computing environments.