Mr. Howard Leon Franklin II earned his Bachelors of Science degree in electrical engineering from Virginia State University in 2008. His professional experiences range from engineering, science & technology, program management, and business & financial management. Howard has over 15 years of professional experience working in both the U.S. Government and private sector. He has supported the Department of Navy, Department of Army, General Administration Services, and various commercial industry partners implementing Department of Defense (DOD) acquisition strategies and policies.

Howard has previously served as a Navy Acquisition and Engineering Directorate professional; Program Executive Office - Aircraft Carriers. Within the Program Executive Office, Howard held the title as the CVN 80 & 81 “Design & Build” Program Manager where he was entrusted with the responsibilities to design, build, procure, and deliver future Aircraft Carriers per U.S. Navy acquisition policies and technical requirements.

Howard currently serves as both the National Shipbuilding Research Program (NSRP) – Program Engineer and the NAVSEA Headquarters and Directorates Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)& Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Technical Manager.

Howard as the NSRP Program Engineer performs engineering tasks in support of research, technology transition, and general programmatic activities.  Howard closely works with the NAVSEA Technical Authority community and is the liaison between Navy Technical Warrant Holders, Program Executive Offices, and NSRP project teams to promote technology transition overcoming barriers for technical success.

Howard as the NAVSEA SBIR/STTR HQ & DIR Technical Manager is responsible for respective HQ & DIR SBIR/STTR project portfolios to include topic development and spend plan management. He ensures that the project portfolios address the Navy’s highest priority R&D needs through the stimulation of technological innovation across small business concerns. Deliver affordable, innovative solutions to the U.S. Navy Fleet by focusing on transition-target identified needs that maximize cross-program application providing strong return on investment to the U.S. Navy.