Karette A Armstrong

Karette A. Armstrong serves as a key procurement professional within the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Philadelphia Division, supporting the U.S. Navy’s mission to sustain and modernize surface ship systems. She manages complex acquisitions for mission-critical engineering and industrial infrastructure, including propulsion systems, damage control equipment, ballast controls, and industrial automation platforms. Her work directly enables the lifecycle readiness of naval vessels by securing advanced mechanical, electrical, and control systems essential for operational durability and technological integration. Armstrong’s portfolio emphasizes technical procurement under FAR and DFARS guidelines, with a focus on high-reliability, defense-specific components requiring rigorous qualification and compliance. She maintains enduring relationships with leading defense and industrial contractors including FAIRBANKS MORSE, LLC, LEIDOS, INC., ROLLS-ROYCE CORPORATION, G. S. E. DYNAMICS, INC., and KAMPI COMPONENTS CO INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in marine-grade machinery, embedded control systems, and precision manufacturing. Her contracting approach prioritizes technical capability, supply chain resilience, and long-term sustainment support, often requiring custom engineering solutions and performance-based specifications. Armstrong’s acquisition strategy reflects a strong orientation toward open competition, with approximately 82.9% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. The remaining 17.1% are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5), demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to small business participation without compromising technical requirements. Her approach balances socioeconomic goals with mission-critical performance needs, ensuring that small businesses contribute meaningfully to the supply base while maintaining system integrity. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 333517 (Machine Tool Manufacturing) and 333514 (Special Die and Tool Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in precision machining, fixture design, and industrial equipment fabrication. Additional emphasis on air and gas compressor systems (333912), machinery repair (811310), and plastics manufacturing (325211) underscores her technical command over the full spectrum of shipboard mechanical and electro-mechanical systems essential to naval platform sustainment.