Steve M. Gunn

Steve M. Gunn serves as a Contract Specialist at the Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division, where he plays a critical role in executing complex acquisitions for advanced naval aviation systems. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle procurement of mission-critical avionics, electronic warfare subsystems, and aircraft support technologies aligned with the Navy’s strategic modernization goals. Gunn specializes in securing technical services and specialized manufacturing capabilities essential to sustaining legacy platforms and integrating next-generation airborne sensor suites, communications networks, and mission systems. He works closely with engineering and program offices to translate operational requirements into compliant, performance-based contract actions that ensure air superiority and fleet readiness. Gunn maintains established relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including SABRE SYSTEMS, LLC, THE BOEING COMPANY, SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC., and ONTIC ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, INC. These partnerships reflect a mix of prime contractor engagements for systems integration, technical analysis, and specialized manufacturing. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical rigor, and risk mitigation in high-stakes acquisition environments, ensuring deliverables meet stringent military specifications and operational timelines. A strong advocate for small business participation, Gunn consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, directing nearly 80% of his contracting activity to small businesses. This reflects a deliberate socioeconomic strategy to foster innovation and capacity within the defense industrial base, particularly among firms certified under HUBZone, 8(a), and SDVOSB programs. His pattern of set-aside usage underscores a commitment to equitable access and supplier diversity in high-technology procurement. His primary NAICS focus areas include Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing (336413), Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair and Maintenance (811310), and Environmental Consulting Services (541620), indicating a broad technical scope spanning aircraft component fabrication, maintenance support, and environmental compliance services. He also frequently procures specialized software and systems engineering services under NAICS 511210, demonstrating expertise in avionics integration, mission system sustainment, and lifecycle support for naval aircraft platforms.