Thomas "Gary" Crooms

Thomas "Gary" Crooms serves as a Program Manager responsible for overseeing the acquisition and lifecycle management of aircraft manufacturing systems and related defense aviation capabilities. In this role, he leads the planning, solicitation, and contract administration for complex technical procurements aligned with national aerospace priorities. His work ensures that mission-critical aircraft platforms and supporting subsystems are sourced efficiently and in compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Crooms plays a pivotal role in translating operational requirements into structured procurement strategies, coordinating with engineering, logistics, and compliance teams to deliver high-integrity aerospace solutions. Crooms maintains collaborative relationships with prime contractors specializing in aircraft design, integration, and systems engineering, particularly those with deep expertise in military and commercial aviation platforms. While no specific vendor relationships are currently identifiable, his procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers and qualified subcontractors capable of meeting stringent performance, safety, and certification standards. His working style emphasizes technical rigor, schedule discipline, and performance-based contracting methodologies to ensure deliverables align with operational readiness goals. Crooms’ acquisition portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of his procurements classified as “No Set-Aside.” This indicates a focus on technical capability and cost-effectiveness over socioeconomic set-asides, though he remains compliant with all federal small business participation requirements. His approach prioritizes mission need and system performance, ensuring that qualified small businesses may compete on an equal footing without preferential targeting. His primary procurement focus is centered on NAICS 336411 — Aircraft Manufacturing — encompassing the acquisition of fixed-wing and rotary-wing platforms, avionics integration, propulsion systems, and associated maintenance support infrastructure. Crooms brings specialized expertise in aerospace systems procurement, with deep familiarity in defense aviation standards, FAA and DoD certification processes, and advanced manufacturing technologies. His domain knowledge ensures that acquisitions support next-generation airpower capabilities while maintaining strict adherence to technical and regulatory compliance.