Carolyn A Abney

Carolyn A. Abney serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of naval aviation systems. She manages complex procurement actions for aircraft components, avionics, engineering services, and logistics support, ensuring alignment with Navy and Marine Corps operational requirements. Her work supports NAVAIR’s mission to maintain air superiority through the development, testing, and sustainment of carrier-based and expeditionary aviation platforms. Abney specializes in full and open competitions under FAR Part 15, leveraging competitive bidding to secure technically advanced solutions while maintaining strict compliance with defense acquisition regulations. Abney maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with them on high-priority programs involving rotary-wing platforms, unmanned aerial systems, and integrated weapons suites. She also engages with specialized logistics and training providers such as Global Air Logistics and Training, Inc., to ensure sustainment and readiness support. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and risk mitigation, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical excellence and mission-critical delivery timelines. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 96.2% of awards issued without set-aside designations. While small business participation is limited, she occasionally utilizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, primarily for niche engineering and technical services where vendor capacity aligns with small business capabilities. Her socioeconomic contracting patterns prioritize technical merit and mission need over socioeconomic preferences, consistent with NAVAIR’s focus on capability delivery. Abney’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), followed by engineering services (541330) and professional technical services (541990). She routinely acquires advanced avionics, flight control systems, mission-specific electronics, and technical support for aircraft modernization, demonstrating deep expertise in aerospace systems integration and defense logistics procurement.