Deirdre Bulger

Deirdre Bulger serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), supporting the acquisition and lifecycle sustainment of critical naval aviation systems. She manages complex contract actions for aircraft platforms, propulsion systems, and associated avionics, aligning with NAVAIR’s mission to maintain air superiority through advanced technological integration. Her work spans the full acquisition lifecycle—from requirements definition and source selection to contract award and performance oversight—ensuring that procurement activities support operational readiness for the Navy and Marine Corps. Bulger routinely handles high-priority, mission-critical acquisitions involving next-generation carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft systems. She maintains strong, sustained relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with these industry leaders to deliver advanced rotary-wing, fixed-wing, and unmanned aerial systems. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, often involving long-term sustainment contracts and integrated logistics support arrangements. These partnerships reflect a focus on trusted vendors with proven expertise in military aviation systems development and fielded support infrastructure. Bulger’s procurement portfolio demonstrates a clear preference for open competition, with 75% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, she consistently supports small business participation, allocating 25% of awards to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, fostering innovation and capacity within the defense industrial base. While she does not prioritize socioeconomic categories such as 8(a) or HUBZone, her commitment to small business inclusion remains integral to diversifying the supplier base and enhancing competition. Her primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), where she oversees the acquisition of complete airframes and integrated flight systems, and NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), ensuring reliable propulsion and power systems. Her technical expertise centers on military-grade aviation platforms, including carrier-capable aircraft, turbine engines, and mission-critical avionics, reflecting deep domain knowledge in naval aviation systems engineering and acquisition policy.