Thomas A. Prothro

Thomas Prothro serves as a secondary procurement contact within the FA9301 AFTC PZIO, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to sustain critical aerospace infrastructure and industrial facilities. Though not a primary contracting officer, he plays a vital role in facilitating acquisition planning, vendor coordination, and contract administration for maintenance and facility services. His work ensures timely procurement of essential support services that maintain operational readiness across Air Force installations, with a focus on industrial machinery repair, building systems, and environmental services. He collaborates closely with lead contracting teams to align solicitations with mission-critical infrastructure needs. Prothro works within a procurement ecosystem that relies on a broad base of commercial vendors, including specialized industrial maintenance firms, janitorial service providers, and building systems contractors. While no single contractor dominates the portfolio, he engages regularly with small and mid-sized businesses capable of delivering responsive, on-site technical services. His working relationships emphasize reliability, compliance with federal procurement regulations, and the ability to meet stringent Air Force safety and operational standards for facility sustainment. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for small business participation, with over 36% of acquisitions set aside for total small businesses under FAR 19.5, and an additional 2.4% designated for local area set-asides under FAR 26.2. Though the majority of contracts remain open to all competitors, he consistently supports socioeconomic programs, including 8(a) competed awards, demonstrating a deliberate effort to broaden vendor diversity and enhance regional economic resilience. Prothro’s primary acquisition focus lies in NAICS 561720 (janitorial services), 811310 (commercial and industrial machinery repair), 238290 (other building equipment contractors), and 561710 (pest control services), reflecting a technical domain centered on facility sustainment and industrial support. His expertise lies in procuring services that maintain the integrity of aging infrastructure, from HVAC and electrical systems to specialized machinery essential to aerospace operations.