Yarinee Tafur

Yarinee M. Tafur serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), supporting the acquisition and lifecycle management of critical naval aviation systems for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. In this role, she executes full-cycle contracting actions for complex technical services and equipment, ensuring alignment with DoD acquisition regulations and NAVAIR’s mission to maintain air superiority through modernized carrier-based and expeditionary platforms. Her portfolio primarily encompasses information technology services, systems integration, and aviation manufacturing contracts, requiring deep familiarity with FAR, DFARS, and agile acquisition frameworks to deliver mission-critical capabilities on schedule and within regulatory compliance. Tafur maintains consistent working relationships with prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, reflecting her focus on high-technology aerospace and defense systems. Her procurement patterns emphasize long-term partnerships with industry leaders capable of delivering advanced avionics, unmanned systems, and sustainment solutions, often involving performance-based contracting and incentive structures to ensure operational readiness and technical innovation. She also collaborates with logistics and training providers such as Global Air Logistics and Training, Inc., to support integrated readiness and workforce development initiatives. While the majority of her acquisitions are unrestricted, Tafur demonstrates a meaningful commitment to small business participation, with approximately 25% of her contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides per FAR 19.5. She actively promotes equitable access for small businesses in the defense technology sector, aligning with NAVAIR’s socioeconomic goals without compromising mission performance or technical rigor. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Other Computer Related Services (541519), and Aircraft Manufacturing (336411), underscoring her expertise in procuring software development, systems engineering, and aviation hardware. She routinely sources mission-enabling solutions in cybersecurity, flight control systems, and digital sustainment tools, positioning her at the intersection of defense technology and acquisition excellence.