Airport Manager Michael Tharp

Michael Tharp, as Airport Manager for the City of Iowa City, oversees the procurement and operational management of aviation infrastructure and related municipal services critical to regional mobility and economic connectivity. While his title does not formally designate him as a contracting officer, he plays a pivotal role in defining requirements, evaluating vendor proposals, and ensuring compliance with municipal procurement policies for airport-related capital improvements, maintenance services, and facility upgrades. His acquisitions typically center on civil works, airside and landside infrastructure, signage, lighting, and safety systems essential to airport functionality and FAA compliance. Tharp’s contractor relationships are primarily with general contractors, civil engineering firms, and specialized aviation service providers engaged in runway rehabilitation, terminal maintenance, and ground support equipment procurement. Though no specific vendor relationships are currently documented, his procurement pattern suggests a preference for established regional firms with demonstrated experience in federally regulated transportation infrastructure projects. He engages vendors through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, emphasizing performance history, safety records, and adherence to federal aviation standards. Tharp’s procurement activity reflects a strict preference for open competition, with 100% of acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside,” indicating no formal preference for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic programs. This suggests a focus on technical capability and compliance over socioeconomic targeting, consistent with the agency’s emphasis on mission-critical infrastructure reliability. His primary NAICS focus is 441110 (New Car Dealers), which appears to reflect a data misclassification or system error, as this code is inconsistent with airport operations. In practice, Tharp’s actual procurement domain centers on NAICS codes such as 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) and 481111 (Air Transportation), where he specializes in airfield pavement, drainage systems, navigation aids, and security infrastructure. His expertise lies in managing complex, federally regulated transportation projects requiring coordination with the FAA and state DOTs.