Michiko Houston

Michiko Houston serves as a secondary procurement specialist within the Naval Research Laboratory, supporting the agency’s mission to advance cutting-edge scientific and technological capabilities for naval and national security. While not the primary contracting officer, she plays a critical role in facilitating the acquisition of specialized research, development, and technical services essential to next-generation maritime systems. Her work centers on managing complex, high-precision procurements involving electronic warfare components, signal processing systems, autonomous navigation technologies, and advanced instrumentation. She collaborates closely with program managers and technical leads to align contracting strategies with R&D timelines and mission-critical requirements, ensuring compliance with Department of the Navy acquisition regulations and technical specifications. Houston maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including Assurance Technology Corp, L3Harris NexGen Communications LLC, Envisioneering Inc, Integration Innovation Inc, and Analex Corporation. These partners are frequently engaged for their expertise in systems integration, electronic repair and maintenance, and applied research in physical sciences. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established technical vendors with proven capabilities in classified and sensitive environments, often leveraging indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) and cost-reimbursement contract vehicles to support iterative R&D efforts. Her contracting portfolio shows a strong preference for open competition, with 70.6% of awards issued without set-aside designations, reflecting the specialized nature of the work. However, she consistently supports small business participation, with nearly 30% of awards directed under Total Small Business Set-Asides in accordance with FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced approach between technical exigency and socioeconomic goals. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Other Computer Related Services (541519), Electronic and Precision Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811210), and Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (541715), underscoring her expertise in procuring advanced sensor systems, signal analytics, and prototype development services critical to naval innovation.