Neil C. Santos

Neil C. Santos serves as a key procurement professional within Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to advance maritime warfare capabilities through cutting-edge research and development. He manages complex acquisitions for advanced naval systems, with a focus on sensor technologies, electronic warfare components, and integrated communication architectures essential for undersea, surface, and aerial domain superiority. His portfolio includes engineering services, specialized electronics manufacturing, and R&D contracts that enable the evaluation and fielding of next-generation naval platforms. Santos plays a critical role in translating operational requirements into technically sound, compliant procurement actions that align with Navy innovation priorities. He maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including Science Applications International Corporation, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Astronics Test Systems Inc, Serco Inc, and Mikel Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for established industry players with proven expertise in naval systems integration, test and evaluation, and high-reliability electronics manufacturing. Santos collaborates with these vendors to deliver mission-critical hardware and software solutions under performance-based contract structures, ensuring technical rigor and operational readiness. His contracting approach reflects a strong emphasis on small business participation, with 37.8% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of procurements remain open to all competitors, Santos actively leverages small business capabilities in niche technical areas, fostering innovation and workforce development within the defense industrial base. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), 334112 (Computer Storage Device Manufacturing), and 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing). He regularly acquires sonar arrays, electronic connectors, embedded computing systems, and R&D services supporting undersea warfare technologies, demonstrating deep technical fluency in naval sensor and navigation domains.