David Carter

David Carter serves as a key procurement lead within the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), where he manages the acquisition of advanced simulation, avionics, and mission-critical training infrastructure to enhance naval aviation readiness. He oversees the full lifecycle of contracts for integrated training systems, including immersive simulators, tactical combat training networks, and embedded avionics hardware, ensuring alignment with Navy modernization priorities. His work directly supports the development of next-generation flight and aircrew training curricula through technically complex, performance-based acquisitions governed by FAR Part 37 and performance work statements. Carter maintains strategic partnerships with core contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide high-fidelity simulation platforms and flight training systems. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, with recurring engagements focused on system sustainment, software modernization, and capability upgrades. He prioritizes vendors with proven expertise in military-grade training architectures and secure, interoperable avionics ecosystems, fostering relationships built on technical reliability and compliance with DoD cybersecurity standards. Carter demonstrates an unwavering commitment to small business participation, directing 100% of his acquisitions toward total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate innovation from niche providers and ensure equitable access to defense training technology contracts. His portfolio consistently awards contracts to small businesses with specialized capabilities in engineering services and embedded systems, reinforcing the agency’s socioeconomic goals without compromising technical rigor. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), where he sources systems engineering, simulation modeling, and training curriculum integration, alongside NAICS 334112 and 334118 for the procurement of custom computer storage and peripheral hardware tailored to aviation training environments. His domain expertise lies in integrating commercial-off-the-shelf technologies into secure, mission-specific training infrastructures that meet Navy aviation operational requirements.