HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- Contracting leaders launched a first-of-its-kind workforce development event last week designed to equip early-career acquisition professionals with the knowledge, mentorship and strategic context needed to succeed in defense contracting.
The three-day Master Jumpstart program, held May 19-21, brought together junior military and civilian contracting, program management and financial management for training focused on Department of the Air Force priorities, career development and acquisition fundamentals.
"As a high-impact organization, Hanscom Contracting aligns relevant training directly with current priorities - digital transformation, regulatory change or shifting customer expectations,” said Anna Morris, director of contracting at Hanscom AFB. “If our workforce cannot immediately apply what they have learned, engagement drops and return on investment disappears."
The program builds on other workforce development initiatives within the Contracting Directorate and reflects leadership’s effort to prepare acquisition professionals for increasingly complex mission demands.
Beyond technical instruction, participants heard directly from experienced acquisition professionals about lessons learned across the acquisition workforce.
For attendees, the opportunity to learn from experienced leaders and peers proved valuable.
“This was a great introduction,” said Jenny Dessaulniers, a contract specialist within Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management. “The program provided great information to new employees and those who have been here a few years.”
A focus of the program centered on helping participants understand how their day-to-day responsibilities connect to broader Air Force priorities.
Lt. Col. Bob Goeke, deputy director for contracting within Electronic Systems, provided an overview of the National Defense Strategy and strategic priorities spanning the Pentagon, Department of the Air Force and Air Force Materiel Command.
According to Goeke, contracting professionals play a critical role in strengthening the nation’s defense industrial base and accelerating capability delivery to the warfighter.
“We want to go faster, but we don’t want to do it irresponsibly,” he said. “You are not just buying things for the Air Force. What you are doing matters.”
Other sessions focused on practical knowledge essential to operating in the defense acquisition environment.
Goeke emphasized that today’s operational environment demands greater speed and adaptability across acquisition programs.
“We no longer have the luxury of planning a program and following a rigid five-year process,” he said. “We have to get there faster.”
For organizers, the program’s collaborative environment was equally important as the formal curriculum.
“Jumpstart 2026 was a historic event and definitely a first at Hanscom AFB,” said A.J. Bazdanes, contracting workforce development manager. “We had a highly interactive and diverse group that discussed a wide range of cross-functional topics in a collaborative and professional manner.”
Participants also received an overview of AFMC’s six centers, with particular emphasis on the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, home to much of Hanscom AFB’s acquisition workforce.
The cross-functional approach resonated with participants, particularly those seeking stronger connections across the acquisition enterprise.
“Participating in Jumpstart 2026 has been a great learning experience and cross-functional networking opportunity,” said Emily Kopacz, a program manager within Electronic Systems. “I especially enjoyed the robust discussions with participants from other functional groups, where we were able to discuss and learn from each other’s perspectives and experiences while building our networks.”