Erika Chavarria

Erika Chavarria serves as a Contract Specialist with the Military Sealift Command (MSC), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions that support the nation’s strategic sealift and afloat logistics capabilities. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts—from market research and solicitation to award and closeout—she ensures compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations while aligning procurements with MSC’s mission to sustain global naval operations. Her portfolio primarily encompasses engineering services, specialized marine equipment, and critical vessel maintenance components, requiring deep technical understanding of maritime systems and defense logistics. Chavarria collaborates with a diverse range of vendors, including mid-tier engineering firms, niche manufacturers of marine components, and specialized service providers supporting naval vessel readiness. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her procurement patterns reflect a preference for qualified suppliers with proven experience in naval infrastructure, propulsion systems, and corrosion-resistant materials. She fosters transparent, performance-based relationships grounded in rigorous technical evaluation and risk mitigation protocols. Her contracting approach reflects a strong emphasis on small business participation, with 13% of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. Though the majority of her acquisitions are unrestricted, she actively seeks opportunities to engage small businesses, particularly those certified under the SBA’s 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, aligning with DoD’s socioeconomic goals without compromising mission-critical requirements. Erika’s technical focus centers on NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), where she procures marine systems design, vessel integration, and operational support engineering. She also regularly acquires specialized components from manufacturers in NAICS 333912 (air and gas compressors) and 332919 (metal valve and pipe fittings), demonstrating expertise in maritime mechanical systems. Her domain knowledge spans propulsion auxiliary systems, sealing technologies, and corrosion control—critical to sustaining MSC’s fleet of government-owned and chartered vessels in austere, high-demand environments.