Shante'l K. Starke

Shante'l K. Starke serves as an Acquisition Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex procurement actions within the defense and aerospace supply chain. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while delivering mission-critical components to support national security and aviation systems. Her portfolio centers on high-precision manufacturing contracts, requiring deep technical understanding of aerospace components and electronic subsystems. Starke collaborates with industry partners to align contract requirements with operational needs, ensuring timely delivery of mission-ready hardware through competitive, transparent processes. Her contractor relationships span established Tier 1 manufacturers and specialized small businesses, particularly those with expertise in aircraft propulsion, auxiliary systems, and precision bearings. She routinely engages with vendors holding AS9100 and ITAR certifications, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in quality assurance and regulatory compliance. Starke prioritizes performance-based contracting and incentivizes innovation through performance metrics and risk-sharing mechanisms, ensuring accountability across the supply chain. Starke demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with approximately 30% of her awards directed toward small business set-asides, including 20% under Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) and 10% reserved for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB). While the majority of her acquisitions remain open to all competitors, she actively promotes small business participation through pre-solicitation outreach, mentor-protégé programs, and targeted market research to identify capable niche suppliers. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), complemented by significant activity in 332991 (Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing) and 334419 (Other Electronic Component Manufacturing). She specializes in procuring high-reliability components for avionics, flight control systems, and propulsion subsystems, requiring expertise in materials science, tolerance specifications, and military-grade testing standards. Starke’s technical acumen ensures that acquired systems meet stringent performance and durability requirements for defense and aerospace applications.