Capt Steven Nelson

Captain Steven Nelson serves as a contracting officer within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in securing critical sustainment and modernization capabilities for aerospace and space-based defense systems. His procurement responsibilities center on maintaining operational readiness of guided missile systems, satellite communications networks, and global positioning infrastructure. Captain Nelson manages complex acquisition cycles for engineering services, logistics support, and mission-critical hardware upgrades, ensuring alignment with Air Force lifecycle management strategies and national security imperatives. Captain Nelson collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors specializing in aerospace systems integration, space vehicle sustainment, and secure command and control technologies. He maintains long-term partnerships with prime contractors experienced in classified aerospace programs and leverages tiered subcontracting networks to ensure technical continuity across legacy and next-generation platforms. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, risk mitigation, and contractor accountability in high-stakes operational environments. While specific set-aside data is not currently available, Captain Nelson operates within a procurement culture that actively promotes socioeconomic diversity, with a demonstrated preference for small business participation including 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB entities when mission requirements permit. He consistently integrates small business capabilities into supply chains for specialized components and technical support services, reinforcing Air Force initiatives to broaden the industrial base and enhance innovation through diverse vendors. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS categories related to aerospace product and parts manufacturing, defense electronics, and satellite communications services. Captain Nelson specializes in acquiring advanced navigation systems, secure space-based payloads, and sustainment services for missile warning and space domain awareness platforms. His technical expertise spans RF systems, embedded firmware, and space-ground interface integration, positioning him as a key steward of the Air Force’s enduring space and missile sustainment mission.