Jarod Astwood

Jarod Astwood serves as a key procurement lead within the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), responsible for managing acquisitions that support the development, modernization, and sustainment of advanced naval aviation training systems. He oversees contracts for immersive simulation environments, mission-critical avionics infrastructure, and integrated training solutions that enhance pilot and aircrew readiness. His portfolio spans complex technical domains including tactical combat training systems, synthetic training devices, and mission rehearsal platforms, requiring deep coordination with engineering, operational, and acquisition stakeholders to align procurement with Navy aviation modernization priorities. Astwood maintains strategic partnerships with leading defense and training technology providers, most notably STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which deliver high-fidelity flight simulators and training system integration services. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and technology refresh cycles, ensuring sustained operational capability. He frequently engages contractors with proven expertise in real-time simulation, embedded systems, and avionics interoperability, fostering innovation through competitive and sole-source mechanisms as mission needs dictate. His procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with equal portions of contracts awarded under total small business set-asides and open competitions. This reflects a deliberate effort to cultivate a diverse supplier base while maintaining access to specialized capabilities. He actively leverages FAR 19.5 small business set-asides to support qualified small businesses in the defense training ecosystem, promoting competition and innovation without compromising mission-critical performance requirements. Astwood’s primary NAICS focus areas—561920 (Convention and Trade Show Organizers) and 334417 (Electronic Connector Manufacturing)—reveal a nuanced procurement profile that extends beyond traditional training systems to include specialized logistics, event-based training support, and precision electronic components critical to simulation hardware. His expertise lies at the intersection of operational training needs and advanced manufacturing, ensuring procurement decisions align with both technical specifications and lifecycle sustainment demands.