Michelle Shanahan

Michelle Shanahan serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she plays a pivotal role in executing the acquisition lifecycle for critical naval aviation systems. She manages complex procurements spanning aircraft platforms, avionics, mission systems, and sustainment services essential to maintaining air superiority for the Navy and Marine Corps. Her work directly supports NAVAIR’s mission to deliver integrated, combat-ready aviation capabilities through end-to-end lifecycle management, from requirements validation through contract award and performance oversight. Shanahan specializes in sole-source and competed acquisitions for advanced aerospace technologies, ensuring alignment with defense acquisition regulations and operational readiness goals. She maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, frequently engaging these vendors on high-priority programs involving carrier-based aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and integrated weapons architectures. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in compliance, innovation, and mission-critical delivery timelines. These relationships are typically established through full and open competition, reflecting a preference for established industry capabilities with proven track records in naval aviation systems. Shanahan’s contracting portfolio is overwhelmingly focused on full and open competition, with 95.7% of awards issued without set-aside designations. While small business participation is limited in volume, she does engage 8(a) certified firms on a competed basis when technical requirements align with small business capabilities, demonstrating a measured but compliant commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission-critical performance standards. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334511 for advanced aeronautical and navigation systems, followed by 336413 for aircraft subsystems and 336411 for aircraft manufacturing. She routinely acquires mission-critical components such as radar suites, electronic warfare systems, flight control units, and integrated avionics architectures, demonstrating deep technical familiarity with aerospace engineering domains and defense system integration standards.