Gretchen Burke

Gretchen Burke serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8609 Aflcmc Wlck KC46 unit of the Department of the Air Force, responsible for managing acquisitions that sustain and modernize the KC-46 Pegasus aerial refueling and strategic transport fleet. Her work directly supports operational readiness by securing specialized aircraft components, maintenance support systems, and integrated logistics services critical to extending service life and enabling rapid battle damage repair. She oversees the full lifecycle of contract actions—from requirements definition through award and performance management—focusing on high-precision parts and auxiliary equipment essential to mission-critical airframe functionality and survivability. Her contractor relationships center on Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers and niche suppliers with proven expertise in military-grade aircraft systems. She collaborates with vendors possessing AS9100 certification and defense supply chain credentials, prioritizing those capable of delivering certified replacement parts, avionics upgrades, and structural repair kits compliant with Air Force Technical Orders. Her working pattern emphasizes long-term performance-based contracts with rigorous quality assurance protocols and just-in-time delivery frameworks to support deployed fleet readiness. Gretchen’s procurement strategy reflects a uniform preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions issued under non-set-aside authorities. While she does not prioritize socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, her approach ensures full and open competition among qualified industrial partners capable of meeting stringent military specifications. Her primary focus lies within NAICS 336413—Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing—where she procures flight-critical components including fuel system valves, refueling boom assemblies, structural reinforcement kits, and mission-specific avionics interfaces. Her technical domain expertise spans airframe integration, military logistics support, and compliance with MIL-STD and SAE aerospace standards, ensuring every acquisition meets the KC-46’s demanding operational and safety requirements.