Amber Hess

Amber Hess serves as a Contract Specialist at Norfolk Naval Shipyard Gf (N42158), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to maintain and modernize critical U.S. Navy vessels through precision industrial and shipbuilding services. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and naval acquisition policies. Her portfolio primarily encompasses ship repair, machinery maintenance, and specialized engineering support contracts essential to sustaining fleet readiness and extending vessel service life. She works closely with technical stakeholders to translate operational requirements into enforceable contractual deliverables that meet stringent naval standards. Amber regularly collaborates with a core group of established contractors including G I INDUSTRIAL-MARINE, LLC, OWL INTERNATIONAL INC., AMEE BAY, LLC, MID ATLANTIC ENGINEERING TECHNICAL SERVICES, INC., and MILLS MARINE & SHIP REPAIR LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in naval shipyard operations, fluid power systems, and ordnance-related maintenance. Her contracting patterns emphasize long-term vendor reliability, technical competency, and adherence to naval quality assurance protocols, fostering stable, performance-driven relationships built on compliance and operational continuity. Her procurement strategy prioritizes broad market access, with 57.1% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides, while maintaining a strong commitment to small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (35.7%) and targeted Local Area Set-Asides (7.1%). She actively leverages FAR 19.5 and FAR 26.2 authorities to promote economic opportunity and regional workforce development, aligning socioeconomic goals with mission-critical acquisition needs. Amber’s technical focus centers on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which dominates her portfolio, alongside significant activity in machinery leasing (532490), fluid power component manufacturing (332912), and ordnance accessories production (332994). Her expertise spans the procurement of specialized marine equipment, hydraulic systems, and industrial support services critical to naval vessel sustainment and modernization.