Ed Keller

About Ed Keller

As Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, I direct and oversee the annual execution of approximately $7 billion, impacting a Special Access Programs (SAP) portfolio of ~45 high-priority defense programs valued at $70 billion. Our team\'s efforts are critical in addressing directives from top Department of Defense (aka Department of War) and Department of the Air Force leadership, driving the fielding of modernized, war-winning capabilities and ensuring mission success through diligent oversight and strategic innovation.In my role as Director of Contracting, Air Force Special Access Programs (SAP), I lead staff support and oversight for the Air Force Special Access / Classified Contracting portfolio at HQ Air Force level valued at greater than $86 billion and career development, training and advocacy for the ~ 1100 person DAF SAP Contracting Community.With a strong foundation in Defense Contracting and a focus on Strategic Leadership, I foster a culture of collaboration, urgency and excellence. My expertise in Federal and Defense Acquisition Regulations has been instrumental in shaping competitive sourcing and sole source negotiations, reflecting a commitment to advancing national security interests with integrity and urgency.

Experience

1. Director of Contracting, Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office and Special Access Programs (Ses)

   United States Air Force

   Jun 2019 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   As Director of Contracting and Head of the Contracting Activity (HCA) for the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, alongside the director, directs contracting activities (executing ~$7 billion / year) for selected study, development and fielding activities involving a $70 billion portfolio of ~45 programs tasked directly by the Under Secretary of Defense (War) for Acquisition and Sustainment, the Secretary of the Air Force, the Chief of Staff of the Air Force, the Chief of Space Operations and the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition· As Director of Contracting, Air Force Special Access Programs, responsible for oversight and support of the Air Force Special Access / Classified Contracting portfolio at Headquarters Air Force level valued at greater than $86 billion and career development, training and advocacy for the ~ person DAF SAP Contracting Community· Senior adviser to the Service Acquisition Executive on acquisition strategy, execution and policy and procedures for contracting in support of special access programs. · AFRCO Contracting was recognized as \"Air Force Outstanding Systems Contracting Unit\" in FY20 and FY22 and has won 19 Air Force level awards and 5 DoD Acquisition Awards since FY20. This includes the 2024 DoD Creativity in Contracting (MDAP) Team Award.

Education

• Georgia College & State University

  MBA, Business

  1990 — 1992

• East Carolina University

  Business, Finance

  1985 — 1989

• National Defense University

  Joint Forces Staff College

  2007 — 2007

Skills

• Top Secret
• Military Experience
• Policy
• Leadership
• Defense
• Public Policy
• Command
• U.s. Department of Defense
• Contract Management
• Procurement
• Management
• Defense Contracting
• Weapons
• Program Management
• Air Force
• Federal Government
• Operational Planning
• Army
• Government
• Government Contracting
• Navy
• Dod
• National Security
• Military
• Government Procurement
• Security Clearance
• Logistics Management
• Strategic Leadership