Shayla McLaurin

Shayla McLaurin serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Special Warfare Command, supporting the procurement of mission-critical capabilities for U.S. Special Operations Forces. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for specialized equipment, technical services, and infrastructure support essential to maritime and unconventional warfare operations. Her work directly enables the Command’s strategic priorities in enhancing ground and water-based mobility, integrating unmanned systems, and deploying advanced tactical technologies. McLaurin routinely handles complex sole-source and competitive procurements under FAR Part 13 and Part 15, with a focus on time-sensitive, low-visibility requirements that demand rigorous compliance and operational agility. McLaurin maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including Trofholz Technologies, Inc., Pass Christian Yacht Works, LLC, and Teamworks Tactical Solutions Inc., who provide specialized maritime vessel modifications, tactical training systems, and mission-specific engineering support. She also collaborates with McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC for facility upgrades and Airgas USA, LLC for industrial gas supply logistics. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical proficiency, rapid response capability, and adherence to stringent operational security standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, McLaurin consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with approximately 64% of her awards designated for small businesses. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to foster innovation and capacity-building among qualified small vendors, aligning with DoD socioeconomic goals while ensuring access to niche technical expertise unavailable through large prime contractors. Her primary NAICS focus areas include All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction for specialized tactical training programs, All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing for custom weapon mounts and equipment housings, Industrial Gas Manufacturing for mission-critical gas systems, and Footwear Manufacturing for specialized combat boots and maritime footwear. These categories underscore her technical domain expertise in supporting the unique physiological and operational demands of Naval Special Warfare personnel.