Michael D. Carleton

Michael D. Carleton serves as a key procurement lead at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Gf, supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to sustain and modernize naval vessels through specialized industrial and logistical contracting. He manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions focused on mission-critical maintenance, fabrication, and equipment support for submarines and surface ships, ensuring operational readiness through precision engineering and reliable supply chain solutions. His work spans complex contracts for mechanical systems, industrial equipment, and specialized fabrication services, requiring strict adherence to naval technical standards and defense acquisition regulations. Carleton maintains strategic partnerships with major defense and industrial contractors including NORTHROP GRUMMAN SYSTEMS CORPORATION, UNITED RENTALS (NORTH AMERICA), INC., and KARDEX REMSTAR, LLC, reflecting a blend of large prime contractors and specialized service providers. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, particularly with firms capable of delivering high-integrity components, heavy machinery rental, and industrial logistics support under stringent Navy quality and compliance requirements. He routinely engages contractors with proven capabilities in naval-grade fabrication and maintenance workflows. A strong advocate for small business participation, Carleton consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts, with over 72% of his awards directed to small businesses under FAR 19.5. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic programs, fostering opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms to support critical naval infrastructure. This focus ensures a resilient, diversified supplier base aligned with DoD small business goals. His technical procurement focus centers on NAICS 532490 (commercial and industrial machinery leasing), with significant activity in metal fabrication (332311), heat treating (332811), and fluid power systems (332912). He specializes in acquiring precision-engineered components, modular metal structures, and industrial equipment essential to shipyard maintenance cycles, demonstrating deep domain expertise in naval industrial support systems.