Mark R. Hunter

Mark R. Hunter serves as a Contract Specialist with the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Norfolk (N40442), where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex procurement actions to sustain the U.S. Navy’s non-combatant fleet. He manages acquisitions for critical shipboard systems including propulsion, marine HVAC, navigation instrumentation, and industrial repair infrastructure, ensuring operational readiness through timely and compliant contract award and administration. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain and modernize government-owned vessels through specialized engineering and industrial support services, with a focus on long-term lifecycle sustainment contracts under FAR Part 16 and Part 17 authorities. Hunter cultivates strategic relationships with a diverse base of vendors, including prime contractors specializing in naval vessel repair, industrial equipment manufacturing, and marine systems integration. He routinely engages with firms holding relevant certifications under NAICS 336611 and 333923, fostering partnerships with both large-tier suppliers and qualified small businesses capable of delivering precision-engineered components and maintenance services. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based requirements, technical compliance, and supply chain resilience across maritime industrial sectors. A strong advocate for small business participation, Hunter consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, which account for 37.5% of his awards, alongside targeted Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides at 4.2%. His procurement patterns reflect a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity within the defense industrial base while maintaining rigorous performance standards. His primary procurement focus lies in shipbuilding and repair (NAICS 336611), overhead crane systems (333923), and industrial process instrumentation (334513), reflecting deep technical expertise in marine engineering and vessel support infrastructure. He regularly procures specialized equipment such as switchgear, monorail systems, and navigation control units, ensuring alignment with Navy technical specifications and fleet modernization priorities.