Michael D. Cross

Michael D. Cross serves as a Contract Specialist within the 763d Enterprise Sourcing Squadron of the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical capabilities that sustain airpower readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for advanced aeronautical systems, flight training solutions, and engineering services that directly enhance pilot proficiency, communications resilience, and logistical agility. His work ensures timely acquisition of technology platforms essential to combat and enterprise operations, aligning with the squadron’s strategic imperative to modernize Air Force capabilities through agile, compliant contracting practices. Cross engages with a diverse pool of vendors specializing in defense-grade technology and training services, maintaining professional relationships with prime contractors and subcontractors capable of delivering high-integrity systems under strict security and performance standards. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense industry partners with proven track records in aerospace systems and mission-critical support services, fostering reliable, long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance and compliance. His procurement approach prioritizes open competition, with 90.9% of actions conducted as non-set-aside procurements, reflecting a focus on technical merit and operational urgency. However, he consistently allocates 9.1% of opportunities to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs), demonstrating a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals without compromising mission requirements. Cross’s primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 334511 for aeronautical navigation and guidance systems, NAICS 611512 for flight training services, and NAICS 541330 for engineering support, reflecting deep expertise in aviation technology, pilot readiness infrastructure, and systems integration. He routinely procures flight simulators, avionics components, communications hardware, and technical consulting services critical to sustaining Air Force operational tempo and technological superiority.