Amanda Blackwood

Amanda Blackwood serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Special Warfare Command, supporting the acquisition of mission-critical capabilities that enhance the operational readiness of U.S. Special Operations Forces. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on specialized training, maritime equipment, and technical support systems essential for unconventional warfare. Her work directly enables the Command’s strategic priorities in maritime mobility, tactical skill development, and integration of unmanned systems, ensuring that procurement aligns with operational tempo and mission requirements. She typically handles service-based and specialized manufacturing acquisitions under FAR Part 13 and Part 15 procedures, with a strong emphasis on rapid response and mission-critical delivery timelines. Blackwood maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of niche contractors including Trofholz Technologies, Inc., Pass Christian Yacht Works, LLC, and Teamworks Tactical Solutions Inc., each of which provides specialized maritime, tactical, and training support services. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in naval special operations environments, particularly those capable of customizing equipment for austere, high-risk conditions. She also collaborates with McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC for infrastructure support and Airgas USA, LLC for mission-critical gas supply logistics, indicating a reliance on trusted partners with domain-specific technical capabilities. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 75% of awards issued without set-asides, reflecting the specialized nature of the requirements. However, she actively supports small business participation through 12.5% allocations to both Total Small Business Set-Asides and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Asides, demonstrating a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission fidelity. Blackwood’s primary NAICS focus areas include General Automotive Repair and All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction, each accounting for 37.5% of her portfolio, underscoring her work in vehicle maintenance and specialized tactical training. She also procures boat building services and professional development training, reflecting a technical domain centered on maritime operational support, equipment sustainment, and elite force readiness.