Amanda Blackwood

Amanda Blackwood serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Special Warfare Command, supporting the procurement of mission-critical capabilities that enable elite maritime and unconventional warfare operations. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for specialized equipment, training systems, and operational support services aligned with SOCOM’s strategic priorities in tactical mobility, unmanned systems integration, and mission-ready force development. Her work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while delivering agile, secure, and mission-tailored solutions to meet the unique demands of special operations forces operating in austere environments. Blackwood maintains established relationships with key contractors including Trofholtz Technologies, Inc., Pass Christian Yacht Works, LLC, Teamworks Tactical Solutions Inc., McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC, and Airgas USA, LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on niche vendors capable of delivering customized maritime vessel modifications, tactical training infrastructure, specialized gas supply systems, and expeditionary construction services. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical specificity, performance-based outcomes, and vendor responsiveness to rapidly evolving operational requirements. Her procurement portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over one-third of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and a notable emphasis on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides. While the majority of acquisitions are open to full and open competition, she consistently leverages socioeconomic programs to foster innovation and resilience within the defense industrial base. Her primary NAICS focus areas include miscellaneous instructional services (611699), sports and recreation instruction (611620), and professional development training (611430), reflecting a heavy investment in specialized operator training and readiness programs. She also procures niche aviation and satellite telecommunications services (481219, 517410) to support unconventional mobility and secure communications, demonstrating deep expertise in the intersection of human performance, tactical instruction, and mission-enabling technology.