Don Simmons

Don Simmons serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions within the defense and aerospace technology sector. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while executing competitively sourced contracts for high-precision systems. His portfolio centers on the development, integration, and sustainment of advanced aeronautical and navigation instrumentation, including radar, guidance systems, and avionics components. Simmons works closely with engineering and program management teams to translate technical requirements into solicitation documents that promote innovation, performance, and mission readiness. His contractor relationships are primarily with prime contractors and subsystem suppliers specializing in the design and manufacturing of mission-critical aerospace and defense systems. While no single vendor dominates his award profile, he consistently engages with firms possessing ISO 9001, AS9100, and ITAR/EAR compliance credentials. His procurement approach emphasizes technical capability, past performance, and supply chain resilience, fostering long-term partnerships with manufacturers capable of supporting rigorous military specifications. Simmons maintains a strong preference for open, unrestricted competitions, with 100% of his acquisitions issued without set-aside designations. This reflects a strategic focus on maximizing competition among qualified industrial base participants rather than socioeconomic categories. While he does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, he remains compliant with all applicable small business subcontracting requirements and encourages participation through prime contractor teaming arrangements. His technical expertise is narrowly focused on NAICS 334511, encompassing the procurement of search, detection, navigation, guidance, and aeronautical systems and instruments. He routinely manages contracts for inertial navigation units, radar signal processors, flight control systems, and other electro-optical and electronic systems used in military aircraft, unmanned platforms, and maritime applications. His deep understanding of defense technical standards ensures acquisitions align with DoD interoperability and reliability requirements.