Asha Gissendanner

Asha Gissendanner supports the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in procuring advanced simulation, avionics, and mission-critical training systems essential to naval aviation readiness. Responsible for managing complex acquisition programs, she ensures the delivery of integrated training environments that enhance pilot and aircrew proficiency through immersive technologies and modernized avionics infrastructure. Her portfolio primarily encompasses hardware and software systems aligned with tactical combat training, flight simulation, and embedded training devices, requiring deep technical oversight and compliance with defense acquisition regulations. Gissendanner maintains strong, sustained relationships with key contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide high-fidelity simulation platforms and flight training solutions. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical excellence and performance-based outcomes, frequently engaging firms with proven expertise in aerospace training systems and mission-critical avionics integration. These collaborations reflect a preference for established industry leaders capable of supporting lifecycle sustainment and rapid technology insertion. Her procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with approximately half of her acquisitions set aside for total small business participation under FAR 19.5. This demonstrates a deliberate focus on fostering innovation through small business engagement while maintaining access to specialized capabilities. She consistently prioritizes small business vendors in competitive environments, aligning with Department of the Navy mandates to broaden the defense industrial base. Gissendanner’s technical focus centers on NAICS 334511 for aeronautical navigation and guidance systems, 334118 for computer peripheral equipment, and 334419 for electronic components. She procures mission-specific hardware including flight simulators, cockpit trainers, data link systems, and embedded training modules, requiring deep familiarity with military aviation standards and DoD interoperability requirements. Her expertise lies at the intersection of defense systems engineering and acquisition execution, ensuring that training technologies remain operationally relevant and technologically current.