Kara N Briscoe

Kara N. Briscoe serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), where she plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition of naval aviation systems for the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. Responsible for soliciting, negotiating, and awarding complex contracts, she supports the agency’s mission to modernize carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft, integrate advanced avionics, and sustain critical weapons systems. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research, development, and sustainment contracts for aeronautical systems, guided missiles, and supporting logistics infrastructure, requiring deep technical understanding and strict adherence to FAR and DFARS compliance. Briscoe maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with organizations that deliver high-performance aircraft platforms, missile systems, and mission-critical avionics. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and risk-managed acquisition strategies, fostering long-term vendor collaboration to ensure operational readiness and technological superiority across naval air domains. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 98% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, aligning with NAVAIR’s priority to leverage industrial capacity from large, technically capable defense contractors. While small business participation is limited at 2%, she remains attentive to opportunities under FAR 19.5, ensuring compliance with socioeconomic goals where feasible within mission-critical requirements. Briscoe’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 334511 (aeronautical and navigation systems), 336414 (guided missile manufacturing), and 336413 (aircraft auxiliary equipment), reflecting her expertise in procuring advanced sensor suites, flight control systems, propulsion components, and mission support technologies. She specializes in acquisitions requiring rigorous systems engineering, testing, and integration, supporting the Navy’s strategic shift toward networked, autonomous, and next-generation air dominance capabilities.