Brad Hierstetter

Brad S. Hierstetter serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of advanced naval aviation systems. His responsibilities include managing full-spectrum contract actions—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—for mission-critical aerospace and avionics capabilities. He supports NAVAIR’s core mission of maintaining air superiority by ensuring timely, compliant, and technically sound procurement of aircraft systems, weapons integration, and supporting logistics infrastructure. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex, high-technology acquisitions governed by FAR and DFARS, with a focus on developmental and sustainment contracts for carrier-based and expeditionary platforms. Hierstetter maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense prime contractors, including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with organizations that deliver advanced rotary-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems, and integrated avionics. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and risk-managed contract structures, fostering long-term collaboration with industry partners capable of meeting rigorous military specifications. He frequently engages with vendors possessing deep expertise in aerospace engineering, systems integration, and military-grade software development. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 94.4% of awards issued without set-asides, indicating a focus on accessing the broadest pool of qualified industry capabilities. Only 5.6% of awards are set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5, reflecting a strategic emphasis on technical maturity over socioeconomic preferences, though small business participation remains supported where capabilities align. His primary NAICS focus is 334511, specializing in the procurement of search, detection, navigation, and aeronautical systems, including radar, guidance, and flight control technologies. He also procures air transportation support services under 488190, ensuring operational readiness through maintenance, training, and logistics support. His technical domain expertise centers on integrated avionics, sensor systems, and mission-critical aviation electronics, making him a key player in modernizing the Navy’s aerial warfare capabilities.