Taura Helms

Taura Helms serves as a key procurement professional within Navsup Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound, supporting the operational readiness of U.S. Navy surface and submarine fleets through the acquisition of mission-critical marine engineering systems and industrial components. Responsible for managing complex contracting actions under the Department of the Navy, Helms specializes in securing precision-fabricated hardware, mechanical power transmission equipment, and specialized wire manufacturing solutions essential to vessel integrity and long-term sustainment. Their work directly enables fleet maintenance, modernization, and mission continuity by ensuring timely delivery of high-reliability naval-grade components. Helms maintains consistent, long-term relationships with leading industrial suppliers including TIMKEN GEARS & SERVICES INC., CURTISS-WRIGHT ELECTRO-MECHANICAL CORP, BELLINGHAM MARINE INDUSTRIES, INC., PALFINGER MARINE USA, LLC, and JERED LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on vendors with deep expertise in naval-grade mechanical systems, electro-mechanical actuation, marine structural fabrication, and specialized lifting equipment. The contracting approach emphasizes technical compliance, quality assurance, and supply chain resilience, with a preference for contractors possessing proven experience in defense-grade manufacturing and marine environmental specifications. Helms demonstrates an unwavering commitment to small business participation, directing 100% of eligible acquisitions toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This policy ensures broad inclusion of small, independently owned firms capable of meeting stringent naval technical requirements, fostering innovation and competitive pricing while strengthening the defense industrial base. Socioeconomic contracting is intentionally structured to maximize opportunities for small businesses with relevant NAICS-aligned capabilities. The primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 335929 (Other Communication and Energy Wire Manufacturing) and 333613 (Mechanical Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting expertise in procuring high-performance cabling systems, gear drives, couplings, and transmission components engineered for harsh maritime environments. Helms’ technical domain knowledge centers on naval propulsion systems, auxiliary machinery, and corrosion-resistant hardware critical to submarine and surface vessel sustainment.