Amanda McCarthy

Amanda McCarthy serves as the primary contracting lead for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division, where she oversees the acquisition of advanced simulation, avionics, and immersive training systems critical to naval aviation readiness. Her role centers on managing full lifecycle procurements for mission-critical training infrastructure, including tactical flight simulators, mission rehearsal environments, and integrated avionics test beds. She ensures alignment with Navy modernization priorities by executing complex, technology-driven acquisitions that support curriculum development and aircrew proficiency across maritime combat domains. McCarthy maintains strategic partnerships with core contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide high-fidelity simulation platforms and pilot training solutions. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense contractors with proven expertise in military-grade training systems, often leveraging indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) and performance-based service contracts. She collaborates closely with technical stakeholders to define performance metrics and ensure compliance with Navy aviation training standards. McCarthy’s procurement portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven focus on technical capability and operational readiness over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing proven performance and system interoperability over small business set-asides. While she does not routinely award to 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB firms, her process remains fully compliant with federal acquisition regulations and emphasizes merit-based selection. Her primary NAICS focus lies in electronic computer manufacturing, commercial and service industry machinery manufacturing, and other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment manufacturing—domains that encompass flight training computers, embedded avionics, synthetic training hardware, and mission-specific interface systems. McCarthy’s expertise centers on procuring integrated, real-time simulation technologies that replicate naval combat environments with high fidelity, ensuring aircrews are prepared for dynamic, high-stakes operational scenarios.