Thomas Kracinovich

Thomas Kracinovich serves as a procurement lead within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), overseeing the acquisition of four new or newly refurbished Mi-8, Mi-17, or Mi-171 multi-purpose transport helicopters. In this role, he manages complex lifecycle contracts for rotary-wing aircraft systems critical to the Navy and Marine Corps’ expeditionary and logistics operations. His responsibilities span requirements definition, source selection, contract negotiation, and sustainment planning, ensuring alignment with NAVAIR’s mission to modernize naval aviation fleets while maintaining operational readiness and interoperability with allied forces. Kracinovich’s acquisitions focus on military transport platforms requiring certified airworthiness, mission-specific avionics integration, and foreign military sales compliance. His primary contractor relationships include Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Global Air Logistics and Training, Inc., reflecting a reliance on established aerospace prime contractors with proven expertise in helicopter systems integration, maintenance, and training support. Kracinovich frequently engages vendors with deep technical capabilities in rotorcraft refurbishment, engine overhaul, and military-grade avionics retrofitting, favoring partners with existing Department of Defense certifications and foreign military sales experience. His procurement pattern emphasizes long-term sustainment partnerships over one-time procurement events, ensuring continuity in spare parts supply and technical support. Kracinovich’s contracting portfolio demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with 93% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Small business participation is limited but intentional, with minimal use of Total Small Business and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, indicating a focus on mission-critical capability over socioeconomic targets. His approach prioritizes technical maturity and operational readiness, aligning with NAVAIR’s strategic emphasis on rapid fielding and global deployment readiness. His industry focus centers on NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting deep engagement with rotary-wing airframe production, transmission systems, and mission equipment integration. He routinely procures flight control systems, defensive avionics, cargo handling systems, and engine components, demonstrating specialized expertise in military transport helicopter modernization and foreign military sales compliance.