Clenton A. Shanks

Clenton A. Shanks serves as a key procurement professional within the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Norfolk, supporting the sustainment and modernization of the U.S. Navy’s non-combatant fleet. Responsible for managing complex industrial and engineering acquisitions, he ensures the operational readiness of government-owned vessels through the procurement of specialized marine systems, including propulsion components, marine HVAC equipment, and vessel repair infrastructure. His work directly enables the command’s mission to maintain critical maritime logistics capabilities through timely, technically sound contracting actions that align with Department of Defense standards and naval engineering requirements. Shanks cultivates partnerships with a diverse range of vendors specializing in ship repair, marine mechanical systems, and industrial equipment manufacturing. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms possessing niche expertise in naval vessel maintenance, crane and hoist systems, and switchgear fabrication. He prioritizes technical capability and past performance, fostering long-term vendor relationships grounded in compliance, quality assurance, and mission-critical delivery timelines. A strong advocate for small business participation, Shanks consistently structures solicitations to maximize socioeconomic opportunities, with over half of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. His contracting approach reflects a deliberate emphasis on broadening vendor participation, particularly among small disadvantaged, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned firms, aligning with DoD’s strategic goals for inclusive industrial base development. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing) and 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing), with additional emphasis on marine HVAC (333415) and overhead crane systems (333923). He routinely acquires custom-engineered components for vessel modernization, including propulsion controls, refrigeration units, and marine electrical switchgear, demonstrating deep technical fluency in naval industrial systems and lifecycle support requirements.