Danita Ellison

Danita Ellison 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 include planning, soliciting, awarding, and administering contracts for technical services and equipment essential to maintaining air superiority for the Navy and Marine Corps. She specializes in complex procurements involving aircraft sustainment, avionics integration, and mission-critical IT infrastructure, ensuring compliance with FAR and NAVAIR-specific acquisition policies. Her work directly supports the modernization of carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft fleets through disciplined contract management and risk mitigation. Ellison maintains strong, ongoing relationships with prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, reflecting her focus on high-technology aerospace and defense systems. She routinely engages with industry leaders experienced in military-grade avionics, unmanned aerial systems, and logistics support services. Her contracting patterns indicate a preference for long-term, performance-based partnerships with vendors capable of delivering integrated solutions across the full spectrum of naval aviation needs, from design to sustainment. Her procurement portfolio demonstrates a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with nearly 43% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her contracts are unrestricted, she consistently prioritizes small business participation, particularly among firms with expertise in engineering and IT services, aligning with NAVAIR’s broader mandate to foster innovation through diverse vendor engagement. Ellison’s primary NAICS focus areas include Engineering Services (541330), Computer Systems Design Services (541512), and Computer Facilities Management Services (541513), underscoring her specialization in technical support for aviation systems. She frequently procures services related to systems integration, cybersecurity, software development, and maintenance of mission-critical computing environments, demonstrating deep expertise in the intersection of defense aviation and advanced information technology.