Steven Preston

Steven Preston serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), supporting the lifecycle acquisition and sustainment of naval aviation systems critical to U.S. Navy and Marine Corps operational readiness. He manages complex contracts for aircraft platforms, avionics, and mission-critical support systems, ensuring alignment with NAVAIR’s strategic modernization goals. His work spans the full acquisition lifecycle—from requirements definition through contract award and performance oversight—focusing on high-priority programs involving carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft, weapons integration, and advanced sensor systems. Preston’s expertise lies in navigating the technical and regulatory demands of defense procurement to deliver mission-essential capabilities on schedule. He maintains established working relationships with leading defense contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, consistently engaging these industry partners on major system development, modification, and sustainment initiatives. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical alignment, and performance accountability, particularly with prime contractors possessing deep expertise in aerospace systems integration, propulsion, and mission systems engineering. These partnerships are foundational to NAVAIR’s ability to field and maintain next-generation naval aviation assets. Preston’s procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission necessity over socioeconomic categorization, prioritizing access to the most qualified industrial base capable of meeting stringent military performance standards. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his award patterns, he ensures compliance with all federal acquisition regulations and supports subcontracting opportunities where technically warranted. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), with significant activity in engineering services (541330) and avionics systems (334511). He routinely acquires flight control systems, radar and targeting pods, communication suites, and maintenance support infrastructure, demonstrating deep technical fluency in aerospace systems integration and naval aviation sustainment.