Derek A. Tenney

Derek A. Tenney serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where he plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of naval aviation systems. Responsible for managing complex procurement actions from solicitation through contract award and administration, Tenney supports NAVAIR’s mission to sustain air superiority through the development and fielding of advanced aircraft, weapons, and avionics. His portfolio primarily encompasses full-spectrum acquisitions for manned and unmanned aerial platforms, guided missile systems, and associated logistics and technical services, ensuring alignment with Navy and Marine Corps operational readiness requirements. Tenney maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with industry leaders to deliver cutting-edge aviation technologies. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, risk mitigation, and performance-based outcomes, often coordinating with engineering and program management teams to align contractual requirements with system development milestones. These long-standing vendor partnerships reflect a focus on mission-critical capabilities requiring deep technical expertise and proven track records in aerospace and defense systems integration. Tenney’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging the broadest possible industrial base to meet NAVAIR’s high-performance requirements, rather than targeting socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. His approach prioritizes technical capability and mission need over socioeconomic preferences, consistent with NAVAIR’s emphasis on operational readiness and technological superiority. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), followed by 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and 541330 (Engineering Services). He routinely procures advanced airframes, propulsion systems, avionics suites, and mission-critical engineering support services, demonstrating deep expertise in aerospace systems acquisition and lifecycle sustainment within the naval aviation domain.