Lauren Thompson

Lauren Thompson serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), supporting the acquisition and lifecycle sustainment of critical naval aviation systems. She manages complex contract actions for advanced aircraft platforms, guided missile systems, and mission-critical avionics, ensuring alignment with the Navy and Marine Corps’ strategic modernization goals. Her work directly supports NAVAIR’s mission to maintain air superiority through end-to-end acquisition of cutting-edge aerospace technologies, from initial development through depot-level maintenance and logistics support. Thompson specializes in full-spectrum contracting for high-technology defense systems, frequently overseeing competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements under FAR Part 15. She maintains consistent, long-term relationships with industry leaders including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with prime contractors who deliver integrated aerospace and weapons systems. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense primes with proven track records in systems integration, flight testing, and sustainment of carrier-based and expeditionary platforms. These partnerships are characterized by deep technical collaboration, performance-based contracting, and robust risk mitigation strategies to ensure mission readiness. Thompson’s procurement portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on technical capability and mission-critical performance over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing access to the most advanced industrial base available. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in her portfolio, she ensures compliance with all applicable small business subcontracting requirements under prime contracts. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing), with significant activity in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing). She specializes in procuring precision-guided munitions, airborne sensor suites, propulsion subsystems, and integrated mission systems, demonstrating deep expertise in defense aerospace engineering and systems acquisition.