USACE 51C Commissioned Officer of the Year: Far East District's Supnet earns back-to-back recognition

CAMP HUMPHREYS, South Korea - Lt. Col. Jason A. Supnet, military deputy chief of contracting for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers - Far East District (USACE FED), was named the 2026 USACE 51C Commissioned Officer of the Year, earning the recognition for the second consecutive year.

As part of the USACE Excellence in Contracting Awards Program, the honor recognizes outstanding leadership, contracting expertise and professional development. This year, Supnet was selected amongst 99 nominations across individual, team and district categories.

"It is a real honor, and I am very grateful for it," Supnet said. "Receiving it once was already something I never expected, so receiving it a second year in a row is humbling."

With over two decades of military service, Supnet has built a career spanning in combat arms, contracting and contingency operations. At FED, his expertise has supported critical infrastructure projects, from the Space Force Operations Complex and the Hardened Aircraft Shelter at Osan Air Base to the Millet Gate Access Control Point redesign at Camp Humphreys, all contributing to military readiness across the Korean Peninsula.

Beyond supporting these projects, Supnet has played a key role in the district's efforts to explore innovative contracting approaches and strengthen collaboration with industry partners.

His most recent accomplishment was leading the planning and execution of the district's first-ever Reverse Industry Day, held Oct. 6, 2026 in Suwon, South Korea. The event brought together more than 250 attendees, providing an opportunity for industry representatives to share their expertise in innovative construction methods, acquisition strategies and discuss alternative project delivery approaches.

Unlike traditional industry engagement events, Reverse Industry Day allowed Korean industry partners to present their capabilities and perspectives directly to the district's workforce. Discussions included Other Transaction Authority (OTA), Progressive Design-Build (PDB) and other emerging practices that could help improve the delivery of complex construction projects.

Jisun Kang, chief of contracting at FED, praised Supnet's leadership in transforming the initiative from an idea into a successful district-wide event.

"I gave him the initial direction that we needed to make this event happen, and he took it from there," Kang said. "He coordinated across the district, developed the necessary operational plans and orders, and led countless planning meetings and rehearsals to ensure everything came together successfully."

For Supnet, the event represented an important step toward modernizing the district's contracting practices and identifying new opportunities to improve project delivery.

"We are in a period where contracting is evolving, and the district is doing a good job of taking a hard look at new tools and authorities that may help us better support the mission in Korea," Supnet said.

He emphasized that while these approaches may not be suitable for every project, they offer opportunities to improve early collaboration, manage risks and provide greater flexibility in meeting mission requirements.

Kang credited Supnet's continued success to more than his technical expertise, highlighting his ability to build relationships and foster a collaborative working environment.

"What sets LTC Supnet apart is his exceptional people skills, positive attitude, and ability to bring people together to accomplish a common goal," she said.

Kang, who was also recognized as the 2026 USACE Contracting Manager of the Year, reflected on her leadership alongside Supnet's accomplishments.

"It's truly an honor to see both of us recognized at the USACE enterprise level, but I see these awards as a reflection of the exceptional team we have at the Far East District," Kang said.

Supnet echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the dedication of the contracting professionals who support the district's mission.

"Ms. Kang and I may receive recognition, but it is really a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the people around us," he said.

Looking ahead, Supnet remains committed to advancing innovative contracting practices, strengthening the district's acquisition capabilities and investing in the professional development of its workforce.

"I am grateful for the recognition, but I do not look at it as something to sit on," Supnet said. "If anything, it is a reminder to keep doing the work and to keep helping the team move forward. With the mission we have here, there is still a lot left to do."