Stephen R. 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 is responsible for managing the acquisition of mission-critical aerospace and space support systems. His portfolio encompasses advanced communications infrastructure, electronic instrumentation, and precision testing equipment essential for sustaining national defense capabilities in the space domain. Cooper oversees full lifecycle procurement activities—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and alignment with the Air Force’s strategic modernization goals for space-based and ground-based systems. His primary contractor relationships include the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment and Blue Skies Furniture LLC, reflecting a mix of government-to-government support arrangements and non-traditional vendor partnerships. While these entities are not typical defense contractors, their involvement suggests a focus on specialized administrative, logistical, or niche technical support services that complement core mission functions. Cooper’s working relationships appear to prioritize functional compatibility over conventional defense industry affiliation, indicating a pragmatic approach to sourcing capabilities across diverse public and private sectors. Cooper’s contracting activity shows a 100% preference for non-set-aside procurements, indicating a deliberate focus on full and open competition without socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB. This pattern suggests an operational priority on technical capability, urgency, or proprietary expertise over socioeconomic objectives, consistent with high-stakes national security acquisitions requiring rapid, unrestricted sourcing. His procurement focus is evenly split between NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 921190 (Other General Government Support), underscoring expertise in IT services, systems integration, and administrative support for aerospace operations. He routinely acquires custom software development, data analytics tools, and mission-critical infrastructure support services, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical demands of space domain awareness and secure communications systems.