Michael Shirley

Mike L. Shirley serves as a procurement professional specializing in aerospace and aviation systems acquisitions, with a primary focus on aircraft engine components and auxiliary equipment manufacturing. His role centers on managing complex contract actions under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, ensuring technical compliance and mission readiness for critical defense and aviation infrastructure. He oversees the full lifecycle of procurements—from market research and solicitation development to award and contract administration—typically handling high-precision, engineering-intensive requirements for propulsion systems, flight control components, and related avionics hardware. His work directly supports national aerospace capabilities and supply chain resilience. Shirley maintains a disciplined approach to contractor engagement, working with a select group of Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace manufacturers with proven expertise in FAA and DoD-certified production processes. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently collaborates with firms possessing AS9100 certification, ITAR compliance, and experience in low-volume, high-reliability manufacturing. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with demonstrated technical capability and quality assurance systems, prioritizing performance history over volume-based selection. His procurement strategy reflects a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 29% of his awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He actively leverages the Small Business Administration’s programs to cultivate a diverse supplier base, favoring small businesses with relevant manufacturing certifications and capacity for precision machining and assembly. While he does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his consistent use of total small business set-asides underscores a deliberate effort to expand access for capable small manufacturers in the aerospace sector. Shirley’s technical domain is narrowly focused on NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), accounting for 96.7% of his activity, with supplementary work in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing). He procures mission-critical components such as turbine blades, fuel control units, ignition systems, and auxiliary power units, requiring deep familiarity with materials science, thermal management, and aerospace testing standards. His expertise lies in navigating the intersection of military specification requirements and commercial manufacturing best practices.