Ava K. Epps

Ava Epps serves as a Contract Specialist within the Commander (M00264) under the Department of the Navy, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that sustain and modernize naval warfighting capabilities. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for advanced defense systems, including armored vehicle platforms, tactical sensor and navigation equipment, and integrated command and control technologies. Her work directly supports operational readiness by ensuring timely delivery of high-integrity, cyber-enabled systems that enhance situational awareness and battlefield decision-making. Epps specializes in complex engineering and technical services acquisitions, often coordinating with systems engineers and program managers to align contracting strategies with evolving operational requirements. Epps maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including Goldbelt Hawk L.L.C., Alex-Alternative Experts, LLC, Tnda Technologies Inc., BC Market Solutions LLC, and Biospace, Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for firms with demonstrated expertise in defense systems integration, military vehicle maintenance, and applied research for tactical environments. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical compliance, and proven track records in delivering mission-essential capabilities under stringent security and quality standards. Epps’s procurement portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences, prioritizing the most qualified vendors regardless of business size or certification status. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, she ensures competitive fairness and transparency across all solicitations. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336992 for military armored vehicle manufacturing and 334511 for search, detection, and navigation systems, with additional emphasis on motor vehicle body manufacturing (336211), research and development in physical sciences (541715), and automotive repair services (811198). Epps brings deep domain expertise in procuring hardened computing platforms, sensor fusion systems, and sustainment services critical to naval surface and expeditionary operations.