Eric Zipperle

Eric Zipperle serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (N00164), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to develop, test, and sustain advanced electronic, electro-optical, and ordnance systems for naval warfare. He manages complex acquisitions in technical domains including signal processing, electronic warfare suites, and precision munitions, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities to expeditionary and surface forces. His work directly enables the modernization of radar, communications, and weapons systems through rigorous contract execution aligned with DoD acquisition regulations. Zipperle maintains strong, ongoing relationships with prime contractors such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc., and Black Hills Ammunition Inc., reflecting a blend of large defense integrators and specialized niche suppliers. His contracting patterns emphasize technical precision and mission alignment, partnering with firms capable of delivering high-reliability components for harsh operational environments. He frequently engages with contractors possessing specialized expertise in explosives manufacturing, wiring device production, and metal container systems, ensuring compatibility with Navy standards for durability and performance. His procurement strategy prioritizes small business participation, with 40% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding the defense industrial base. While no specific socioeconomic categories are dominant, his portfolio consistently supports small manufacturers with proven capabilities in defense-relevant niches, fostering innovation and resilience in the supply chain. Zipperle’s primary NAICS focus areas—332439 (Other Metal Container Manufacturing), 335931 (Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing), and 325920 (Explosives Manufacturing)—reflect deep technical specialization in ruggedized enclosures, high-integrity electrical interfaces, and ordnance components. These categories underscore his expertise in procuring hardened, mission-essential hardware for electronic warfare, signal intelligence, and munitions systems deployed across naval platforms.