Tristan D. Harley

Tristan D. Harley serves as a Contracting Officer for the W6QK Acc-apg Durham under the Department of the Army (W911NF), where he plays a pivotal role in advancing the Army’s modernization priorities through strategic procurement of cutting-edge scientific and technical services. He manages a diverse portfolio of competitive acquisitions focused on research and development, systems engineering, and advanced technology integration, with particular emphasis on autonomy, quantum systems, and intelligence horizon scanning. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to accelerate innovation in physical, engineering, and life sciences by ensuring timely, compliant, and mission-aligned contract execution across high-priority R&D initiatives. Harley cultivates partnerships with a broad spectrum of contractors, including leading firms in systems design, defense R&D, and aerospace engineering. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages with firms possessing deep expertise in computer systems design, experimental research, and advanced manufacturing—particularly those capable of delivering rapid prototyping and agile development solutions. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and collaboration with industry partners who can meet the Army’s demanding innovation timelines. Harley’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions designated as non-set-aside. This reflects a mission-driven focus on securing the most technically capable solutions, regardless of socioeconomic status, while still adhering to all statutory requirements. Although he does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his process remains transparent and accessible to all qualified vendors, fostering a competitive environment aligned with the agency’s technical imperatives. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 541712 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), with significant activity in 541990 (Other Professional Services) and 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing). He routinely procures advanced software architectures, autonomous system prototypes, sensor integration platforms, and specialized engineering services critical to next-generation Army capabilities.