Michele Estep

Michele Estep serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), supporting the lifecycle acquisition and sustainment of naval aviation systems critical to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps air superiority. She manages complex contracts for advanced aircraft components, avionics, and mission-critical support systems, ensuring alignment with NAVAIR’s strategic modernization goals. Her work spans the full acquisition lifecycle—from requirements definition and source selection to contract administration and performance oversight—focusing on high-technology platforms that enhance carrier-based and expeditionary air operations. Estep maintains consistent contracting relationships with industry leaders including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering primarily with prime contractors capable of delivering integrated aerospace systems and specialized maintenance solutions. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, often engaging vendors with proven expertise in flight control systems, weapons integration, and mission data management. She frequently collaborates with contractors possessing DoD clearance and AS9100 certification to ensure compliance with stringent defense standards. Estep’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a focus on leveraging full industry capability rather than socioeconomic set-asides, prioritizing technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic criteria in procurement decisions. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413—Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing—reflecting deep expertise in procuring non-airframe components such as sensors, actuators, avionics subsystems, and support equipment. She also engages in research and development contracts under NAICS 541715, underscoring her involvement in next-generation aviation technologies. Her domain knowledge centers on airborne systems integration, electronic warfare support, and logistics sustainment for naval aircraft fleets.