Tyson Tharp

Tyson Tharp serves as the primary contracting lead for the FA8213 Aflcmc Ebhk under the Department of the Air Force, overseeing the acquisition of explosive ordnance systems, propulsion components, and high-energy material technologies critical to air-launched munitions and aerial defense platforms. His role is central to sustaining the lethality and readiness of U.S. airpower, managing full lifecycle procurements from research and development through production and sustainment of classified and unclassified ordnance systems. He specializes in complex, technical acquisitions requiring stringent safety, quality, and compliance standards, including initiation systems, detonators, and guided missile components governed by Department of Defense and ATF regulations. Tharp maintains consistent, long-term relationships with key industrial partners including Pacific Scientific Energetic Materials Company (California LLC), Chemring Energetic Devices Inc., Stratus Systems, Inc., and the Canadian Commercial Corporation. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized defense contractors with proven expertise in energetic materials manufacturing, precision assembly, and international supply chain coordination. His contracting approach emphasizes technical capability, reliability, and supply chain resilience, often resulting in sole-source or limited-source awards due to the proprietary nature of the technologies involved. Tharp’s procurement portfolio exhibits no set-aside preferences, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects the highly specialized, low-supplier environment for explosive ordnance systems, where only a handful of qualified vendors meet the rigorous technical, security, and production requirements. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through socioeconomic programs, the nature of the acquisitions inherently limits competition to a narrow pool of cleared, certified defense contractors. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 325920 (Explosives Manufacturing), accounting for 90% of activity, with supplementary acquisitions in NAICS 325520 (Adhesive Manufacturing) for bonding and sealing applications in munitions assembly. Tharp’s expertise spans the full spectrum of energetic materials procurement—from propellants and pyrotechnics to insensitive munitions and initiation train components—demanding deep technical fluency in ordnance engineering and defense supply chain dynamics.