James T. Francisco

James T. Francisco serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he plays a critical role in executing the acquisition lifecycle for naval aviation systems. Responsible for soliciting, negotiating, and administering contracts, Francisco supports NAVAIR’s mission to develop, test, and sustain advanced aircraft, weapons, and avionics for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex procurements in aircraft manufacturing and auxiliary equipment, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities that maintain air superiority and operational readiness across carrier-based and expeditionary platforms. Francisco maintains longstanding relationships with prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, all of which are key providers of manned and unmanned aerial systems, propulsion components, and integrated avionics. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and risk-mitigated contract structures, fostering collaborative partnerships with industry leaders to meet rigorous technical and schedule requirements. He frequently engages with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in military aviation systems, ensuring alignment with NAVAIR’s modernization priorities and sustainment objectives. Francisco’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside conditions. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging the broadest industrial base to meet complex technical demands, rather than targeting socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. While small business participation is not a primary driver of his award strategy, he ensures compliance with all applicable federal acquisition regulations and maintains transparency in sourcing decisions. His primary NAICS focus areas—336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing)—reflect deep specialization in the procurement of airframes, flight control systems, mission avionics, and support equipment for naval aircraft. Francisco’s expertise lies in managing technically intricate contracts requiring stringent compliance with military specifications and defense logistics standards.