Chris OConnor

Mr. Chris O’Connor serves as a key contracting professional at the Southeast Regional Maintenance Center (N40027), where he oversees the acquisition of critical ship maintenance, repair, and modernization services essential to sustaining the U.S. Navy’s surface fleet. His role centers on managing complex procurement actions under NAICS 336611, ensuring that dry-docking, structural overhauls, and hull and machinery upgrades are executed in compliance with defense acquisition regulations. He plays a vital part in aligning contracting strategy with the Center’s mission to extend vessel service life and maintain combat readiness through timely, technically sound procurement decisions. Mr. O’Connor collaborates with a diverse range of industrial contractors specializing in naval shipyard services, including qualified ship repair vendors, marine engineering firms, and specialty trade contractors capable of performing classified or high-integrity work in dry-dock environments. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his working relationships are built on proven technical capability, quality assurance compliance, and adherence to naval shipbuilding standards. He prioritizes vendors with demonstrated experience in Navy-specific maintenance protocols and naval vessel systems integration. His procurement approach reflects a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately 21.7% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. Though the majority of contracts remain open competition, he consistently facilitates opportunities for small businesses with expertise in ship repair, electrical systems, and marine fabrication, ensuring broad vendor engagement without compromising mission-critical requirements. Mr. O’Connor’s technical focus is overwhelmingly concentrated in NAICS 336611—Ship Building and Repairing—where he procures services ranging from hull rehabilitation and propulsion system overhauls to corrosion control and electrical retrofits. His domain expertise lies in the unique demands of naval vessel sustainment, requiring deep familiarity with naval architecture, shipyard infrastructure, and Department of Defense maintenance directives. He rarely procures outside this core specialization, reinforcing his role as a subject-matter expert in naval ship repair procurement.