Katherine M. Whelchel

Katherine M. Whelchel serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing complex acquisitions across aerospace, avionics, and engineering services. She plays a pivotal role in executing the agency’s procurement mission by ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations, conducting market research, and facilitating competitive bidding processes. Her portfolio primarily consists of sole-source and full and open competitions for high-technology systems, including aircraft manufacturing, navigation instrumentation, and mission-critical engineering support. Whelchel’s expertise lies in structuring solicitations that align with technical requirements while maintaining fiscal accountability and regulatory integrity. While specific contractor names are not available, her procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with prime contractors in the aerospace and defense sectors, particularly those specializing in aircraft systems and avionics integration. She routinely collaborates with tier-one manufacturers and engineering service providers, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based contracting and risk mitigation strategies. Her approach emphasizes technical evaluation, source selection rigor, and post-award contract administration to ensure deliverables meet mission-critical standards. Whelchel’s set-aside preferences reflect a strong orientation toward full and open competition, with 91.4% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, with a notable focus on Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) opportunities. Her use of 8(a) competed awards, though limited, demonstrates a measured commitment to socioeconomic programs without compromising competition or mission readiness. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting deep domain expertise in airframe and subsystem procurement. She also regularly acquires specialized systems under NAICS 334511 for avionics and navigation equipment, alongside engineering services under NAICS 541330. This technical alignment underscores her proficiency in procuring advanced aerospace technologies and mission-enabling professional services.