David B Gunnels

David B. Gunnels serves as a Contract Negotiator responsible for managing the acquisition lifecycle for complex aerospace and defense-related systems. In this role, he facilitates the negotiation, award, and administration of contracts to ensure compliance with federal procurement regulations, particularly under FAR Part 15. His work supports critical national defense objectives by securing specialized components for aircraft propulsion, avionics, and guided missile systems. Gunnels routinely handles competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, focusing on technical acquisitions requiring deep engineering and manufacturing expertise. Gunnels engages with a diverse range of industrial contractors, primarily Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers specializing in aerospace subsystems and precision instrumentation. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his negotiations consistently involve firms with AS9100 certification and experience in defense supply chain compliance. He cultivates long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance accountability, technical transparency, and adherence to defense quality standards, ensuring reliable delivery of mission-critical hardware. His contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 92% of awards issued under open solicitations. Nevertheless, he actively supports small business participation, allocating 8% of acquisitions to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals. Though no specific 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides are prominent, his approach ensures small businesses have equitable access to opportunities within the aerospace manufacturing domain. Gunnels’ primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), with significant activity in 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing). He also procures specialized relay and industrial control systems (335314) and auxiliary components for guided missiles and space vehicles (336419), reflecting deep expertise in avionics, propulsion, and flight control subsystems. His technical domain spans high-reliability mechanical and electronic systems used in military and aerospace platforms.