Chito Paulo

Chito Paulo serves as a Contract Specialist within the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command (N40446), where he plays a critical role in acquiring engineering and maintenance services essential to sustaining the U.S. Navy’s non-combatant fleet. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions, Chito ensures compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations while supporting the agency’s mission to maintain propulsion systems, environmental controls, and vessel infrastructure. His acquisitions primarily involve complex technical services and specialized equipment required for ship repair, modernization, and operational readiness, often coordinating with naval engineers and logistics teams to align contracting outcomes with technical specifications and mission priorities. Chito collaborates with a diverse base of contractors specializing in marine engineering, HVAC systems, and naval component manufacturing. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he routinely engages with firms possessing niche expertise in propulsion retrofits, marine sealing systems, and nautical instrumentation. His working relationships are characterized by a focus on technical capability, past performance, and regulatory compliance, with an emphasis on ensuring vendors meet stringent Navy quality and safety standards for maritime applications. Chito demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 28% of his awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and an additional 1.7% allocated to 8(a) competed contracts. While the majority of his acquisitions remain open to all competitors, his consistent use of socioeconomic set-asides reflects a deliberate strategy to foster vendor diversity and support emerging defense contractors with specialized maritime capabilities. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 333415 (HVAC and refrigeration systems), 333618 (engine equipment), and 336611 (shipbuilding and repair), reflecting deep technical expertise in marine mechanical and thermal systems. He frequently sources gaskets, sealing devices, and nautical control instruments, demonstrating proficiency in procuring mission-critical components that ensure the seaworthiness and environmental compliance of auxiliary naval vessels.