Ari Daring in the PaCER spotlight

Ari Daring is charting a federal acquisition career through the Defense Logistics Agency’s Weapons Support Pathways to Career Excellence program, drawing on five years in the Ohio National Guard and a mix of technical and leadership roles in the private sector. Daring began the two-year PaCE track in February 2025 and is slated to graduate in February 2027 into a post-award contract administrator position.

“My experience in the Ohio National Guard has given me a firsthand perspective on the critical role that logistics plays in supporting the warfighter,” Daring said. “I wanted to build on that foundation by gaining professional experience in federal procurement and contract negotiation.”

Before joining DLA, Daring worked in the controlled-environment agriculture industry managing automated systems, experience he credits with sharpening his grasp of complex processes and technology. He also held product sales roles and coached youth basketball, a combination he says built communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills that translate to the fast-paced demands of defense contracting.

Early in his training, Daring said the steep learning curve and contractor responsiveness stood out. “The biggest challenges I’ve encountered so far have been navigating unresponsive contractors and the learning curve that comes with the role,” he said. He added that a team culture that encourages questions and mentorship has helped him apply lessons learned and avoid repeating mistakes.

He describes key parts of the job as investigative—synthesizing records, correspondence, and contractor plans to understand delivery timelines and performance—then making and defending decisions rooted in the full set of facts. The work, he noted, often involves balancing multiple priorities and timelines while staying focused on mission readiness for the end users.

Looking ahead, Daring expects global events and market shifts to continue influencing sourcing options and delivery urgency, but he believes emerging tools will reshape day-to-day routines. “At the day-to-day level, however, I see automation having the greatest impact,” he said, pointing to the potential for streamlining email traffic, status checks, and other repetitive tasks so acquisition professionals can concentrate on higher-value responsibilities.

As for who thrives in PaCE, Daring said mindset matters most. “I think being a good fit ultimately comes down to adaptability,” he said, emphasizing the importance of learning from missteps and steadily improving as experience grows.

He frames the contract administration role as a direct link between industry and the operational force. “The role is essentially a bridge between the warfighter and the businesses responsible for supplying them,” Daring said. That connection, he added, makes effective workload management and clear coordination essential to ensuring the right equipment reaches units when needed.

Among his milestones so far, Daring highlighted earning a Micro-Purchase Warrant, a credential he achieved by meeting competency and operational benchmarks. “The accomplishment I am most proud of is earning my Micro-Purchase Warrant,” he said, noting that it enables him to deliver immediate logistical support in alignment with mission needs.

DLA’s Weapons Support PaCE is a structured, two-year development program combining formal instruction with on-the-job, cross-training, and rotational assignments. Participants typically enter at the GS-7 level and may advance to GS-11 or GS-12 upon completion. The agency recruits PaCE candidates through multiple pathways, including internal hires, recent graduates, and transitioning service members. For more information, visit www.dla.mil/Careers/PaCE/.