Larry Crum

Larry Crum serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he plays a critical role in executing the acquisition lifecycle for advanced naval aviation systems. Responsible for planning, soliciting, awarding, and administering contracts, Crum supports NAVAIR’s mission to develop, test, and sustain carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft, guided weapons, and critical avionics infrastructure. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex technical procurements involving aerospace components, missile systems, and logistics support services, requiring deep familiarity with defense acquisition regulations and performance-based contracting methodologies. He ensures alignment with DoD and Navy-specific acquisition policies while maintaining rigorous oversight of contractor performance and compliance. Crum maintains established working relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with these organizations on high-priority programs involving unmanned aerial systems, weapons integration, and aircraft sustainment. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term strategic partnerships grounded in technical collaboration, risk-sharing, and performance metrics tied to mission readiness. He frequently engages with contractors on sole-source and competitive negotiated acquisitions for specialized aerospace and defense technologies requiring proprietary expertise or limited market competition. Crum’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside categories. This indicates a focus on technical superiority and mission-critical capability over socioeconomic set-asides, aligning with NAVAIR’s priority of rapid fielding of advanced systems. While small business participation is not formally targeted in his portfolio, he adheres to all applicable small business subcontracting requirements and encourages tiered supplier engagement where technically feasible. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336419 (guided missile and space vehicle parts) and 336413 (other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment), reflecting deep expertise in weapons systems integration, flight control hardware, and mission-critical avionics. He also procures specialized support services under 561990 and government support functions under 921190, demonstrating a broad understanding of the full lifecycle support ecosystem required to sustain naval airpower.