Misti DeShields

Misti DeShields serves as a Contract Negotiator responsible for managing the acquisition lifecycle for complex aerospace and aviation systems, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and achieving optimal value for the government. She plays a pivotal role in executing competitive solicitations, conducting pre-award negotiations, and facilitating contract execution for mission-critical components. Her work directly supports the agency’s operational readiness by securing specialized aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, often involving technical specifications governed by FAR and DFARS requirements. She routinely handles sole-source, sealed bid, and negotiated procurements requiring deep technical evaluation and risk mitigation. While specific contractor names are not available, Misti maintains consistent engagement with a network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers specializing in aircraft systems integration, precision manufacturing, and avionics support. Her negotiation patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven quality control systems, AS9100 certification, and capable supply chain management. She fosters collaborative relationships with manufacturers capable of meeting stringent aerospace standards, often working closely with engineering teams to align contractual deliverables with technical requirements. Misti demonstrates a strong orientation toward small business participation, with 17.4% of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her acquisitions are unrestricted, her consistent use of small business set-asides signals a deliberate commitment to expanding market access for qualified small manufacturers. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach—prioritizing competition while ensuring socioeconomic goals are met through targeted set-aside strategies. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413, encompassing other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing, with secondary activity in aircraft manufacturing and engine components. She specializes in procuring non-airframe components such as landing gear subsystems, flight control actuators, and avionics housings, requiring deep domain knowledge in aerospace materials, certification standards, and supply chain traceability. Her technical expertise enables her to evaluate complex bids and negotiate performance-based contracts aligned with DoD and FAA compliance frameworks.