Cheri Corson

Cheri Corson serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of naval aviation systems. Her responsibilities encompass the full spectrum of contract management—from solicitation and source selection to award and administration—for complex aerospace and defense procurements. She supports NAVAIR’s mission to maintain air superiority by ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective acquisition of aircraft components, avionics, and mission-critical support services. Corson typically handles high-technology, engineering-intense contracts requiring rigorous technical evaluation and risk mitigation, often involving classified or sensitive defense systems. Corson maintains consistent working relationships with prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with industry leaders to deliver advanced rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms, unmanned aerial systems, and integrated weapons solutions. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, technical oversight, and long-term sustainment planning. She collaborates closely with engineering and logistics teams to align contractual requirements with operational needs, fostering strong vendor accountability and mission readiness. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside conditions. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging the broadest industrial base to meet NAVAIR’s demanding technical requirements, rather than socioeconomic set-asides. While small business participation is not a primary mechanism in her portfolio, her contracts often include subcontracting opportunities that support broader industry engagement. Corson’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), where she acquires mission-critical components such as flight control systems, radar interfaces, and structural airframe elements. She also procures engineering services under NAICS 541330 and software development solutions under NAICS 511210, demonstrating deep expertise in avionics integration, systems engineering, and digital modernization for carrier-based and expeditionary naval aviation platforms.