Kathleen Dougherty

Kathleen C. Dougherty serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to modernize naval aviation training systems. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for mission-critical simulation platforms, immersive training environments, and avionics infrastructure, ensuring alignment with Navy readiness objectives. Her portfolio emphasizes technical engineering services and advanced aircraft systems procurement, supporting the development of next-generation pilot and aircrew training capabilities. Dougherty operates within a highly regulated defense acquisition framework, applying FAR and DFARS compliance to deliver timely, cost-effective solutions that enhance operational preparedness across maritime aviation domains. She maintains sustained working relationships with key contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide specialized training system integration, simulation software, and flight training device sustainment services. Her contracting approach reflects a preference for long-term, performance-based partnerships with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in aviation training technologies. These relationships are characterized by collaborative requirements development, iterative prototyping, and rigorous technical evaluation to ensure system interoperability and mission fidelity. Dougherty’s set-aside preferences show a strong emphasis on open competition, with 68.8% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. However, she consistently supports small business participation, with 18.8% of awards directed to 8(a) firms and 6.3% allocated to HUBZone and other small business categories under FAR 19.5. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach—prioritizing technical capability while actively fostering opportunities for certified small businesses in the defense ecosystem. Her primary NAICS focus includes 541330 (Engineering Services) and 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), underscoring her technical expertise in avionics, simulation systems, and flight training hardware development. She routinely procures integrated training systems, mission-critical avionics, and engineering support services critical to sustaining naval aviation readiness through advanced simulation and immersive learning technologies.