Dushani Starks

Dushani Starks serves as a secondary procurement liaison within the Norfolk Naval Shipyard Gf, supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to sustain and modernize critical naval vessels through specialized industrial and technical contracting. While not a lead contracting officer, Starks plays a vital role in facilitating acquisition planning, vendor coordination, and contract administration for maintenance, training, and environmental compliance services. Their work ensures alignment with shipyard operational priorities, particularly in areas requiring precision engineering support, workforce development, and hazardous materials management. Starks typically handles task orders and service contracts that enable the shipyard’s day-to-day readiness initiatives, working closely with program managers and technical staff to translate operational needs into compliant, efficient procurement actions. Starks maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of specialized contractors, including G I INDUSTRIAL-MARINE, LLC, OWL INTERNATIONAL INC., AMEE BAY, LLC, MID ATLANTIC ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., and MILLS MARINE & SHIP REPAIR LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in naval vessel repair, marine industrial services, and technical support operations. The working relationship pattern is characterized by repeat engagements, performance-based contract management, and a focus on vendors capable of meeting stringent Navy quality and safety standards in a high-regulation environment. Starks’ procurement portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on open competition, with 80% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside restrictions. However, a consistent 20% of contracts are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Aside provisions per FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for qualified small businesses. While no specific socioeconomic categories like 8(a) or HUBZone dominate, the pattern indicates a balanced approach that prioritizes capability and capacity while supporting broader small business participation goals. The primary NAICS focus areas include 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training), accounting for half of all procurements, underscoring a strategic investment in workforce upskilling for shipyard technicians and engineers. An additional 25% targets 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), while another 25% centers on 562211 (Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal), highlighting expertise in environmental compliance and industrial safety. Starks’ technical domain expertise spans naval maintenance systems, training program implementation, and hazardous material handling protocols, ensuring procurement actions directly support mission-critical fleet sustainment.