Heather Allen

Heather Allen serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (N00164), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to develop, test, and sustain advanced electronic, electro-optical, and ordnance systems. She manages complex acquisitions for mission-critical technologies including signal processing, electronic warfare suites, radar detection platforms, and precision guidance systems. Her work directly enables naval superiority by ensuring timely delivery of cutting-edge capabilities to surface and expeditionary forces, with a focus on high-integrity, technically demanding contracts that align with the Navy’s modernization priorities. Allen maintains consistent contracting relationships with industry leaders such as Lockheed Martin Corporation, Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc., and Black Hills Ammunition Inc., partnering with firms capable of delivering high-assurance defense electronics, munitions, and specialized engineering services. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor and performance-based outcomes, often engaging contractors with proven expertise in secure communications, electro-optical sensor integration, and weapons system sustainment. She collaborates with a mix of large primes and specialized niche vendors to meet the unique operational demands of naval warfare systems. Allen’s contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside categories. This indicates a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic classifications, prioritizing mission readiness and system performance above targeted small business set-asides. While small business participation is not formally incentivized in her portfolio, her selections are driven by technical merit and proven delivery of complex defense systems. Her primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 334511 (navigation and guidance systems), 334220 (wireless communications equipment), 334419 (other electronic components), and 332410 (power boilers and heat exchangers), reflecting deep expertise in electronic warfare, RF systems, thermal management, and embedded hardware. She routinely procures mission-critical components for radar, signal intelligence, and ordnance control systems, demonstrating specialized knowledge in defense electronics manufacturing and systems integration.