Benjamin Barton

Ben Barton supports the Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division in managing critical acquisitions for advanced naval aviation systems, focusing on the integration of mission-critical avionics, electronic warfare suites, and next-generation communication and navigation subsystems. He plays a pivotal role in executing the agency’s modernization agenda by overseeing contract lifecycle activities for technical services and systems engineering support, ensuring alignment with fleet readiness objectives and defense innovation priorities. His portfolio centers on complex, high-impact procurements that bridge developmental testing and operational sustainment across airborne platforms. Barton maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense contractors including SABRE SYSTEMS, LLC, THE BOEING COMPANY, SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC., and ONTIC ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established industry leaders with proven capabilities in aerospace systems integration, mission software development, and specialized aircraft subsystem sustainment. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical rigor, and long-term vendor collaboration to support sustained operational capability. While the majority of his acquisitions are conducted under full and open competition, he consistently allocates approximately 25% of his portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding small business participation in high-technology naval aviation programs. He does not routinely utilize specialized set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, instead prioritizing broad small business eligibility to foster innovation and competitive pricing. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 811219 (Repair and Maintenance of Aviation Equipment), where he sources technical services for avionics overhaul and field support, complemented by equal shares of NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers) and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) for mission software development, systems modeling, and data analytics solutions. His expertise spans embedded systems, electronic attack platforms, and real-time sensor fusion, reflecting deep technical alignment with the Navy’s airborne modernization imperatives.