Ashley Blaess

Ashley Blaess serves as a key procurement lead within the Kessel Run organization under the Department of the Air Force, driving the acquisition of mission-critical software and digital systems to modernize air and space command and control. Focused on accelerating DevSecOps capabilities and cloud-native platform deployment, Blaess manages complex contracts aligned with the Aerospace Readiness Enterprise System (ARES) and other agile software initiatives. Their work bridges operational requirements with rapid delivery cycles, ensuring secure, scalable digital solutions are fielded in alignment with Air Force digital transformation priorities. Blaess typically handles performance-based, outcome-driven acquisitions under FAR Part 12 and 15, emphasizing iterative development, continuous integration, and cybersecurity compliance. Blaess maintains a primary contracting relationship with THE BOEING COMPANY, leveraging its enterprise-scale engineering and systems integration expertise to deliver integrated software platforms for aerospace operations. The working relationship is characterized by long-term, multi-phase contract vehicles that support evolving mission needs through adaptive development cycles. While Boeing remains the dominant partner, Blaess engages a broader ecosystem of defense technology providers to ensure technical innovation and operational resilience across digital warfighting domains. Blaess’s procurement portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside approach, with no utilization of 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB preferences. This reflects the agency’s focus on rapid capability delivery through established, high-capacity contractors with proven track records in mission-critical defense systems. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in this portfolio, the emphasis remains on technical maturity, cybersecurity certifications, and rapid deployment capacity over socioeconomic categorization. The primary NAICS codes guiding Blaess’s acquisitions are 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting a balanced focus on hardware-enabled digital systems, custom software development, and integrated IT services. Their technical domain centers on cloud-based command and control architectures, secure DevSecOps pipelines, and mission-critical software for air and space operations, with a strong emphasis on DoD IL5/IL6 compliance and zero-trust security frameworks.