Ashley Bechtel

Ashley Bechtel serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (N00164), supporting the Department of Defense’s mission to develop, test, and sustain advanced electronic, electro-optical, and ordnance systems for naval warfare. She manages complex acquisitions spanning printed circuit assembly, radar and navigation systems, signal processing hardware, and specialized welding equipment critical to expeditionary and surface force capabilities. Her work ensures timely delivery of mission-critical technologies that enhance electronic warfare, signal intelligence, and precision targeting systems, aligning procurement activities with the agency’s modernization priorities and technical requirements. Bechtel maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading defense contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc., and Integrity Defense Services Inc., reflecting a preference for established industry partners with proven expertise in defense electronics and systems integration. She also engages specialized vendors such as Black Hills Ammunition Inc. and McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC to support ordnance supply and facility infrastructure needs. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical compliance, supply chain resilience, and performance-based contracting, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors capable of meeting stringent military specifications. Her contracting portfolio is overwhelmingly dominated by non-set-aside acquisitions at 92.3%, indicating a primary focus on full and open competition to secure the highest technical capability. While small business participation is limited to 7.7%, it is strategically directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a measured but intentional effort to include qualified small firms without compromising mission-critical performance standards. Bechtel’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 334418 (printed circuit assembly), 334511 (search and navigation systems), 335911 (electrical equipment manufacturing), and 333992 (welding and soldering equipment). These categories underscore her deep engagement with high-reliability electronic assemblies, sensor systems, and ordnance manufacturing—domains requiring rigorous MIL-STD compliance and advanced manufacturing expertise. Her work directly supports the development of next-generation naval electronic warfare and weapons systems.