Samuel M Kistner

Samuel M. Kistner serves as a key procurement professional within the Military Sealift Command (MSC), supporting the Department of Defense’s strategic sealift and afloat logistics mission. He manages complex acquisition programs for ocean transportation services, specialized maritime systems, and engineering support critical to maintaining the readiness of government-owned and chartered vessels. His work ensures the timely deployment of military cargo and personnel across global theaters, aligning with MSC’s mandate for resilient, responsive, and modernized sealift capabilities. Kistner typically handles contract actions under FAR Part 13 and Part 15, spanning both commercial and non-commercial procurement pathways, with a focus on performance-based service contracts and long-term vessel support agreements. Kistner collaborates with a diverse range of maritime contractors, including deep-sea freight operators, coastal transport providers, and niche manufacturers of nautical navigation and detection systems. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven track records in military logistics, while also engaging specialized engineering firms for vessel modernization and systems integration. He maintains a collaborative, compliance-driven relationship model, emphasizing contract performance oversight, technical validation, and vendor accountability in high-stakes operational environments. Kistner demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over 21% of his procurement activity designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While no specific socioeconomic categories like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB are predominant, his portfolio consistently prioritizes small business eligibility and competitive bidding, reflecting MSC’s broader goal of expanding vendor diversity within the maritime logistics sector. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 483114 and 483111 for coastal and deep-sea freight and passenger transportation, complemented by significant activity in 334511 for nautical instrumentation and 541330 for engineering services. This reflects deep expertise in maritime logistics systems, vessel maintenance support, and the integration of advanced navigation and control technologies essential to modern naval operations.