Asha Gissendanner

Asha Gissendanner serves as a key procurement lead within the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), where she oversees the acquisition of advanced simulation, avionics, and mission-critical training systems essential to naval aviation readiness. Her role centers on managing the full lifecycle of contracts for immersive training environments, tactical combat simulators, and integrated avionics infrastructure that support pilot and aircrew proficiency. She ensures alignment with Navy modernization priorities by leveraging agile acquisition pathways and performance-based contracting methods to deliver high-fidelity, scalable training solutions. Gissendanner maintains strategic relationships with core contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide specialized simulation hardware, software integration, and flight training system sustainment services. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical excellence and rapid prototyping capabilities, frequently engaging contractors with proven expertise in real-time modeling, distributed training networks, and embedded systems for military aviation platforms. She exhibits a robust commitment to small business participation, directing 100% of her acquisitions toward total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This consistent preference underscores a deliberate strategy to cultivate innovation from emerging defense contractors and foster a resilient supplier base with niche capabilities in training system development and sustainment. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), reflecting her emphasis on custom-built computing systems for training simulators, and NAICS 562219 (Other Nonhazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal), indicating procurement of specialized environmental management services for decommissioned or obsolete training hardware. This dual technical domain highlights her unique integration of cutting-edge avionics procurement with lifecycle compliance and sustainment logistics in support of naval aviation training ecosystems.