Howard Carroll

Howard Carroll serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8576 Aflcmc Eskc, a critical unit of the Department of the Air Force focused on advancing resilient positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities for air, space, and cyber operations. He manages the acquisition of next-generation PNT systems, including embedded GPS/inertial navigation systems (EGI), software-defined user equipment, and anti-jamming technologies designed for contested environments. His role centers on ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical hardware and software solutions that enhance operational resilience, working closely with engineering and acquisition teams to align contracting strategy with technical requirements and program timelines. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Carroll maintains a broad network of defense aerospace suppliers and systems integrators specializing in navigation instrumentation, avionics, and electronic warfare support. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based contracting, often engaging vendors with proven expertise in military-grade PNT architectures and DoD compliance standards such as MIL-STD-810 and DO-160. He prioritizes vendors capable of rapid prototyping, modular open systems architecture (MOSA) implementation, and secure firmware updates. Carroll’s contracting portfolio is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 94% of awards issued under full and open competition, reflecting the specialized nature of PNT technologies. However, he consistently allocates approximately 6% of opportunities to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating measured but deliberate support for small businesses with niche capabilities in navigation systems and aerospace components. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 811219 (other commercial and industrial machinery and equipment repair), reflecting significant maintenance and sustainment efforts for legacy and modernized PNT platforms. He also actively procures from NAICS 334511 (navigation and guidance systems manufacturing) and 336413 (aircraft parts manufacturing), underscoring deep expertise in avionics integration, sensor fusion, and ruggedized electronics for deployed military platforms.