Diann Tharp

Diann Tharp serves as a Contract Specialist at the Naval Air Warfare Center Air Division, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions for mission-critical naval aviation systems. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contract actions—from requirements validation and market research to solicitation, evaluation, and award—Tharp ensures alignment with DoN strategic priorities in airborne sensor modernization, electronic warfare, and legacy system sustainment. Her portfolio primarily consists of technical contracts for aircraft engine components and associated subsystems, supporting the integration of advanced avionics and propulsion technologies into next-generation platforms. She operates within a high-stakes environment requiring deep technical understanding and strict compliance with federal acquisition regulations. Tharp maintains consistent, long-term relationships with leading defense contractors including SABRE SYSTEMS, LLC, THE BOEING COMPANY, SCIENCE APPLICATIONS INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION, SYSTEMS PLANNING AND ANALYSIS, INC., and ONTIC ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, INC. These partnerships are characterized by collaborative technical engagement, iterative requirements refinement, and performance-based contracting approaches. Her procurement strategy emphasizes proven capability and technical maturity, favoring vendors with established track records in aerospace propulsion and mission systems integration. Tharp’s contracting portfolio reflects a strict focus on full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside provisions. While small business participation is not formally targeted through socioeconomic programs, she adheres to all applicable FAR provisions and encourages broad market participation through transparent solicitation practices and robust industry outreach. Her primary NAICS focus is 336412—Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing—reflecting deep specialization in propulsion systems, turbine components, fuel control units, and related engine subsystems. Tharp’s expertise lies in procuring high-reliability, military-specification hardware critical to air superiority, with a technical command over materials, testing protocols, and lifecycle sustainment requirements unique to naval aviation platforms.