Derek L. Willis

Derek L. Willis serves as a Contract Specialist at Mschq Norfolk, under the Department of the Navy, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurements that sustain the operational readiness of U.S. Navy surface and auxiliary vessels. He manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions spanning ship repair, marine logistics, deep-sea freight transport, and specialized engineering services, ensuring timely delivery of equipment and support essential to fleet deployment. His work directly supports the agency’s strategic imperative to maintain continuous naval operational capability through efficient, compliant, and strategically aligned contracting practices. Willis maintains established relationships with key contractors including ExxonMobil Marine Limited, Vigor Marine LLC, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., Foreign Policy Research Institute Inc., and Ontic Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc. These partnerships reflect a focus on integrated maritime solutions, technical engineering support, and specialized maintenance services. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and rigorous compliance with federal acquisition regulations, fostering reliable delivery of mission-essential capabilities from both large primes and niche technical providers. His procurement patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 84.2% of awards issued without set-aside designations, indicating a focus on maximizing competition and capability access. However, he consistently supports small business participation, with 15.8% of awards allocated under Total Small Business Set-Asides in accordance with FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both operational urgency and socioeconomic contracting goals. Willis’s primary NAICS focus areas include 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing), 811219 (Other Miscellaneous Repair and Maintenance), and 541330 (Engineering Services), reflecting deep expertise in procuring marine propulsion components, vessel maintenance systems, and technical advisory services. He regularly acquires industrial valves, marine coatings, and specialized engineering analyses critical to fleet sustainment, showcasing specialized domain knowledge in naval maritime systems and lifecycle support.