Nicholas G Gava

Nicholas G. Gava serves as a Contract Specialist with the 355th Contracting Squadron (FA4877) under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to sustain airpower readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts for specialized aerospace components, avionics systems, maintenance services, and facility infrastructure, ensuring timely delivery of mission-enabling capabilities to support aircraft operations, training, and base sustainment. His work directly supports operational continuity by aligning procurement strategies with Air Force readiness goals and regulatory compliance under the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Gava maintains established working relationships with key contractors including MILLER ELECTRIC COMPANY INC., ATLANTIC PACIFIC STANDARD LLC, DAP CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT LLC, BSE PERFORMANCE, LLC, and LAVISH LIFE TECHNOLOGIES LLC. These partnerships span industrial equipment repair, electrical installation, metal distribution, textile product manufacturing, and aeronautical system integration, reflecting a diverse vendor base tailored to the squadron’s technical needs. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and consistent vendor engagement to ensure quality and reliability in mission support. A strong advocate for small business participation, Gava consistently prioritizes Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with 65% of his awards designated for small businesses, complemented by a 5% focus on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster economic opportunity while leveraging the agility and innovation of small vendors in supporting complex aerospace operations. His procurement focus centers on NAICS codes including 811310 (industrial machinery repair), 238210 (electrical contracting), 423510 (metal wholesale), 314999 (miscellaneous textile mills), and 334511 (aeronautical system manufacturing). This technical specialization underscores his expertise in acquiring niche, mission-critical goods and services that directly enable aircraft maintenance, facility operations, and avionics sustainment across Air Force installations.