Steve Cortes

Steve Cortes serves as a key procurement lead within the Naval Surface Warfare Center, supporting the agency’s mission to modernize naval electronic systems, sensors, and signal processing technologies for surface ships and maritime platforms. He manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions focused on advanced instrumentation, electronic warfare support, and mission-critical training services, ensuring fleet readiness through timely delivery of cutting-edge capabilities. His contracting activities align closely with the Center’s strategic priorities in sonar, radar, and precision navigation systems, often involving complex technical requirements and rapid prototyping cycles. Cortes maintains consistent relationships with specialized contractors including ISPA Technology LLC, Five Rivers Analytics, LLC, and Bauer Compressors, Inc., partnering with firms that deliver niche expertise in electronic system integration, data analytics for maritime operations, and high-pressure industrial equipment. His procurement approach emphasizes technical proficiency and operational reliability, favoring vendors with proven experience in defense-grade electronics, signal conditioning, and field-serviceable instrumentation. These partnerships reflect a pattern of sustained collaboration with contractors capable of meeting stringent military specifications and rapid turnaround demands. His contracting activity shows a strong preference for open competition, with 94.5% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, reflecting a focus on technical merit and mission urgency. However, he actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides, demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals under FAR 19.5, particularly for firms offering specialized engineering and maintenance services. Cortes’s procurement focus centers on NAICS categories including 334515 (instrument manufacturing for electrical signal measurement) and 611430 (professional and management development training), underscoring his expertise in acquiring precision test equipment, calibration systems, and technical workforce development programs. His domain knowledge spans electronic warfare support, maritime sensor sustainment, and field maintenance of mission-critical instrumentation, ensuring the Navy’s surface fleet remains equipped with reliable, next-generation capabilities.