Michael J. Ford

Michael Ford serves as a Contract Specialist at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division (NAVSWC PHIL), where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to sustain and modernize critical naval surface platforms. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of contracts for advanced engineering systems, shipboard integration, and mission-critical infrastructure such as propulsion, damage control, and industrial control systems. He works closely with technical stakeholders to translate operational requirements into solicitation documents, ensuring compliance with FAR and Navy-specific acquisition policies. His portfolio primarily supports the development and sustainment of systems essential to the Navy’s surface fleet readiness. Michael maintains strong working relationships with leading defense and engineering contractors including Fairbanks Morse, LLC, Leidos, Inc., Rolls-Royce Corporation, G.S.E. Dynamics, Inc., and Kampi Components Co Inc. These partnerships reflect his focus on procuring high-reliability mechanical, electrical, and control systems for naval applications. He routinely engages with prime contractors who possess deep domain expertise in naval platform integration and systems engineering, often coordinating multi-year, performance-based acquisitions that emphasize technical innovation and lifecycle support. His contracting patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 68.2% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, he consistently supports small business participation, with 31.8% of awards directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a balanced approach that prioritizes both competition and socioeconomic goals without relying on specialized programs like 8(a) or HUBZone. Michael’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which accounts for nearly 40% of his activity, followed by engineering services (541330) and turbine manufacturing (333611). He specializes in acquiring complex shipboard systems, including propulsion units, electronic control hardware, and integrated combat infrastructure, demonstrating deep technical fluency in naval engineering domains and a commitment to delivering mission-critical capabilities through disciplined, standards-based contracting.