Kathy Gaither

Kathy Gaither serves as a key procurement professional at Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division (N00164), where she supports the acquisition of advanced electronic, electro-optical, and ordnance systems critical to naval warfare readiness. Her role centers on managing complex contracts for mission-critical technologies including signal processing, electronic warfare suites, radar detection platforms, and precision guidance instrumentation. She operates within the Department of the Navy’s broader mission to sustain and modernize expeditionary and surface force capabilities, ensuring timely delivery of high-integrity systems through rigorous acquisition planning and contract administration. Gaither maintains established working relationships with leading defense contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, Programs Management Analytics & Technologies Inc., and Black Hills Ammunition Inc., among others. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven technical expertise in aerospace, electronic systems, and munitions manufacturing. She engages primarily with firms possessing deep domain knowledge in defense-grade instrumentation, signal integrity, and ruggedized electronics, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical compliance and performance reliability. Her contracting activity shows no reliance on socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on technical capability and mission urgency over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with N00164’s operational imperatives. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, all acquisitions adhere to federal procurement regulations and competitive bidding standards. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334511 for search and navigation systems, 334515 for electrical signal measurement instruments, and 335999 for specialized electrical components. She routinely procures high-reliability sensors, radar subsystems, electronic countermeasure hardware, and precision ordnance components, demonstrating deep familiarity with defense electronics manufacturing standards and military specification requirements.