Paula M. Poe

Paula M. Poe serves as a Contract Specialist within the Military Sealift Fleet Support Command Norfolk (N40442), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring critical maintenance, repair, and modernization services for the U.S. Navy’s non-combatant fleet. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of procurement—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with Department of Defense regulatory frameworks and operational readiness requirements. She primarily manages acquisitions for specialized maritime systems, including propulsion components, marine HVAC, navigation instrumentation, and vessel repair infrastructure, supporting the sustainment of mission-critical government-owned ships. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Poe maintains consistent working relationships with industrial suppliers and engineering service providers experienced in naval vessel support. Her contracting patterns reflect collaboration with vendors possessing deep technical expertise in marine systems, mechanical power transmission, and industrial instrumentation, often requiring specialized certifications and compliance with military specifications. She fosters partnerships with firms capable of delivering complex, high-reliability components and services under strict quality assurance protocols. Poe demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 27% of her acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Her procurement strategy prioritizes equitable access for small businesses, particularly those with niche capabilities in marine engineering and industrial maintenance, while maintaining flexibility for full and open competition where appropriate. Her approach reflects a balanced adherence to socioeconomic goals without compromising operational readiness. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Navigational Services to Shipping, Industrial Valve Manufacturing, Engineering Services, Electrical Contracting, and Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing. These reflect a technical domain centered on shipboard system sustainment, where she procures precision-engineered components, specialized repair services, and integrated support solutions essential to maintaining the operational integrity of the Military Sealift Command’s fleet.