Erik Peterson

Erik Peterson serves as a Contract Specialist with the Military Sealift Command (MSC), where he plays a critical role in executing complex maritime logistics acquisitions that support the Department of Defense’s global sealift mission. He is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts for deep-sea freight transportation services, including chartering government-owned and commercial vessels, negotiating terms for crewing and maintenance support, and ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations. His work directly enables the operational readiness of U.S. naval forces by securing reliable, long-term ocean transportation capabilities essential to expeditionary warfare and sustained global deployments. Erik works closely with a broad spectrum of maritime contractors, including international shipping lines, vessel operators, and specialized ocean transport service providers with proven track records in military logistics. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with experience in military charter operations, vessel maintenance, and cargo handling under austere conditions. He fosters collaborative, performance-based relationships with contractors, emphasizing accountability, operational flexibility, and adherence to stringent DoD safety and readiness standards. Erik’s procurement portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-asides. This reflects MSC’s operational imperative to maintain a robust, scalable, and globally responsive fleet, prioritizing capability and reliability over socioeconomic preferences. While he does not routinely award to 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB firms, his approach ensures mission-critical requirements are met through the most capable and available industry partners. His primary focus is on NAICS 483111 (Deep Sea Freight Transportation), encompassing the procurement of heavy-lift cargo vessels, roll-on/roll-off ships, and tankers for strategic sealift. He specializes in contracting for ocean transport services that support military prepositioning, fuel delivery, and equipment movement across contested and remote theaters, demonstrating deep expertise in maritime logistics, vessel classification standards, and international shipping regulations.