Amanda Blackwood

Amanda Blackwood serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Special Warfare Command, supporting the procurement of mission-critical capabilities that enhance the operational readiness of U.S. Special Operations Forces. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for specialized equipment, infrastructure, and technical services essential to maritime and unconventional warfare operations. Her work directly enables the Command’s strategic priorities in tactical mobility, unmanned systems integration, and advanced training infrastructure, ensuring compliance with DoD acquisition regulations and operational urgency requirements. She routinely handles complex sole-source and competitive procurements under FAR and DFARS frameworks, balancing mission necessity with fiscal accountability. Blackwood maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors, including Trofholtz Technologies, Inc., Pass Christian Yacht Works, LLC, and Teamworks Tactical Solutions Inc., each of which provides niche expertise in maritime vessel modification, tactical equipment fabrication, and special operations support services. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical proficiency, past performance, and mission alignment. She frequently engages with firms possessing specialized certifications or domain-specific experience, prioritizing reliability and responsiveness over broad market competition. Her contracting activity shows no reliance on socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven emphasis on speed, capability, and technical suitability over socioeconomic preferences, consistent with the operational tempo and classified nature of Naval Special Warfare requirements. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, all awards adhere strictly to fair and transparent competition standards. Blackwood’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 562991 (Septic Tank and Related Services) and 611620 (Sports and Recreation Instruction), which support remote training site infrastructure and physical conditioning facilities critical to operator readiness. These categories reflect the unique logistical and environmental demands of special operations training environments, including austere maritime and expeditionary locations. Her technical expertise spans field-support systems, facility sustainment, and specialized instructional infrastructure tailored to high-stress operational environments.