ETM (PRODUCTION/SUSTAINMENT) Mr. Derek Seymour, United States Air Force
Mr. Derek Seymour led the development of digital diagnostics systems for the $80 billion B-21 Raider Acquisition Category 1D-equivalent program, applying advanced engineering expertise. He drove adoption of digital engineering tech- niques to solve developmental challenges and ensured that the diagnostics sys- tems were ready to support B-21 production. Mr. Seymour effectively resolved a two-year standstill on alignment of the B-21 diagnostics systems analysis that ulti - mately met Air Force program goals for airworthiness risk reduction. His commit- ment to digital tool implementation further enhanced program efficiencies and communication with key program stakeholders. The distinctive accomplishments of Mr. Seymour reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Major Austin Knighton’s innovative use of acquisition flexibilities resulted in the rapid delivery of the Army’s first integrated electronic warfare and signals intel - ligence dismounted program of record capability. Major Knighton led the Terres- trial Layer System Manpack program from requirements approval to production and fielding in just 12 months. This expeditious and near-record turnaround was made possible by rapid prototyping and rapid fielding, underscoring the utility of Middle Tier Acquisition to quickly bring a capability to development and fielding. His leadership and program execution in demonstrating, testing, and rapidly pro- curing this modular and mobile system helps the nation win the electromagnetic spectrum fight. Major Knighton’s achievements are in keeping with the highest traditions of government service. FLEXIBILITY IN ACQUISITION Lieutenant Colonel John Reed, United States Air Force FLEXIBILITY IN ACQUISITION Major Austin Knighton, United States Army Lieutenant Colonel John Reed distinguished himself by outstanding achieve- ment as Materiel Leader for F-47 Source Selection, Air Force Materiel Command. Lieutenant Colonel Reed executed the $28 billion F-47 Source Selection, evaluat- ing multiple proposals and over 15,000 pages of technical documentation, while readying the Air Force’s next generation fighter for the Engineering and Manufac - turing Development phase. His efforts culminated in the President of the United States announcing the selection decision on live television, reaching more than 3.1 billion viewers within 210 hours of receiving the program restart decision. Lieutenant Colonel Reed’s technical expertise and leadership ensured the F-47 postured the Air Force to maintain its competitive edge and the DoW’s deterrence objectives, cementing the administration’s message to United States’ adversaries of “peace through strength.” FLEXIBILITY IN ACQUISITION Ms. Alicia Rasich, United States Special Operations Command Ms. Alicia Rasich demonstrated exceptional commitment to the DoW and U.S. Special Operations Command as a Deputy Division Chief, unlimited Contracting Officer, and unlimited Agreements Officer. Her leadership resulted in driving $775 million in contractual obligations—a 15-year high for her division—including $444 million across 76 actions. She further directed mission-critical advancements in counterproliferation, electronic countermeasures, and science and technology efforts. Her leadership of the $2 billion Counter-Unmanned Systems contract showcased rapid delivery of cutting-edge capabilities across five Combatant Commands and enhanced the survivability rate by 1,800 percent. She also man - aged execution and fielding of 32 Artificial Intelligence-powered interceptors in under 120 days and championed $850 million in Other Transaction agreements, delivering vital next-generation systems. Her transformative leadership extended to workforce development, growing her division’s manning by 40 percent and expanding buying power by $120 million. Ms. Rasich’s contributions embody the highest ideals of government service.
48 DEFENSE ACQUISITION MAGAZINE | MARCH – APRIL 2026
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