Claudette D. Atkins

Claudette Atkins serves as a primary procurement lead within DLA Aviation, responsible for managing the acquisition of critical aircraft components and subsystems essential to U.S. military aviation readiness. She plays a central role in ensuring the continuous supply of high-reliability parts for military aircraft engines, auxiliary systems, and non-standard airframe components, aligning with DLA’s mission to sustain operational tempo through resilient logistics. Her acquisitions typically involve complex technical specifications requiring stringent quality assurance, obsolescence mitigation, and rapid response capabilities to support forward-deployed units and maintenance cycles across all service branches. While specific contractor names are not available, Claudette maintains a broad network of Tier 1 and Tier 2 suppliers specializing in precision manufacturing and aerospace-grade component fabrication. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense industrial base vendors with proven track records in meeting MIL-SPEC and AS9100 standards, alongside strategic partnerships with small businesses capable of delivering niche or legacy parts. She engages vendors through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated contracts, prioritizing technical capability, supply chain transparency, and delivery reliability over cost alone. Claudette’s procurement portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 81% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, with approximately 15% of contracts designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and notable allocations to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and HUBZone firms. Her approach balances mission-critical performance requirements with socioeconomic goals, ensuring equitable access for qualified small manufacturers while maintaining supply chain integrity. Her technical focus centers on NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in procuring turbine components, fuel control systems, landing gear assemblies, and avionics interfaces. Claudette specializes in sourcing parts subject to technical obsolescence, requiring reverse engineering, qualification testing, and long-term sustainment planning—key competencies in sustaining legacy and next-generation military aircraft fleets.