U.S. Navy awards $54.7 million contract to support P-8A Poseidon readiness

Mackenzie Cannataro, a contracting officer with NAVSUP WSS, oversaw the award process, ensuring the contract met operational and procurement objectives. “Working on this program for the P-8A and watching the team’s efforts come together was a very rewarding experience,” she said.

The P-8A Poseidon, based on the Boeing 737 platform, plays a vital role in anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance, and search and rescue operations. It is currently operated by the United States and key allied partners, including Australia, the United Kingdom, and Norway.

The aircraft is central to missions in contested regions such as the South China Sea, the Arctic, and the North Atlantic, where undersea threat detection and maritime security are critical. Ensuring a steady supply of repairable parts is essential to maintaining fleet reliability and joint operational readiness.

Cannataro noted that the process involved close coordination across several NAVSUP WSS departments to deliver best value to the Navy under a 100% small business set-aside. “This was a very complicated requirement that involved a lot of coordination between the NAVSUP WSS Integrated Weapon System Team, Contracting Department, and Office of Counsel,” she explained.

Christopher Ruoff, Item Manager Product Lead, led the technical side of the acquisition and highlighted the complexity of the effort. “I’m happy that I’ve had this experience, especially since not many people in NAVSUP have had the opportunity to be a part of a technical source selection team,” said Ruoff.

He added that the contract would have a lasting effect on mission readiness by supporting timely maintenance of the P-8A fleet. The aircraft’s availability is considered crucial for both national security and coalition effectiveness.

Reflecting on the achievement, Cannataro said the experience underscored the importance of NAVSUP’s mission. “The work we do at NAVSUP WSS directly supports the Fleet, and I’m confident that this five-year contract will ensure our P-8A Fleet remains mission ready,” she said. “It is very fulfilling to be involved in such important and meaningful work.”

NAVSUP WSS provides programme and supply support for U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and allied weapon systems to ensure global fleet readiness. With operations across several U.S. sites, the command supports nearly 300 ships, 92 submarines, and 3,700 aircraft worldwide.