Paula O. Harris

Paula O. Harris serves as a Contract Negotiator responsible for managing complex procurement actions within the aerospace and defense sector. Her role centers on negotiating terms, ensuring compliance with FAR regulations, and facilitating timely award of contracts for critical aviation components. She plays a pivotal role in advancing the agency’s mission to secure high-integrity, mission-critical systems by aligning acquisition strategies with technical requirements and fiscal constraints. Her portfolio primarily involves negotiated procurements under full and open competition, with a strong emphasis on technical evaluation and risk mitigation in supplier selection. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, Harris maintains consistent engagement with manufacturers specializing in aircraft subsystems and propulsion components. Her working relationships are characterized by structured negotiation cycles, rigorous source selection processes, and a preference for vendors with proven manufacturing capabilities in aerospace-grade materials and precision engineering. She routinely collaborates with both large-tier suppliers and qualified small businesses to ensure supply chain resilience and technical innovation. Harris demonstrates a pronounced commitment to small business participation, with approximately 26.9% of her acquisitions set aside for Total Small Business concerns under FAR 19.5. Though the majority of her contracts remain open to all competitors, she actively encourages small business eligibility through clear solicitation language and pre-solicitation outreach. Her socioeconomic contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach—prioritizing competition while intentionally creating pathways for small manufacturers to compete on technical merit. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing). She specializes in acquiring flight control systems, avionics housings, turbine components, and auxiliary power units, requiring deep familiarity with aerospace quality standards such as AS9100 and military specification compliance. Harris brings technical acumen to contract administration, ensuring deliverables meet stringent performance, reliability, and safety benchmarks for defense and aviation applications.