Kenneth Chaffey

Kenneth Chaffey serves as a key procurement professional within Naval Undersea Warfare Center (NUWC) Division Newport, supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to advance maritime warfare capabilities through cutting-edge research, development, and evaluation of naval systems. He manages a portfolio of technical acquisitions focused on sensor technologies, electronic warfare components, and integrated communication systems critical to undersea, surface, and aerial domain superiority. His work ensures timely delivery of mission-critical hardware and software solutions that enhance naval operational effectiveness, with a strong emphasis on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and technical rigor in source selection. Chaffey maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including Science Applications International Corporation, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Astronics Test Systems Inc, Serco Inc, and Mikel Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in naval systems integration, test and evaluation infrastructure, and precision instrumentation. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, leveraging long-term vendor relationships to ensure technical continuity and mission readiness across complex, multi-year programs. His procurement patterns show a balanced approach to socioeconomic contracting, with approximately one-third of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses in high-tech naval domains. While the majority of contracts remain open to all competitors, he actively encourages small business participation through targeted set-asides and clear solicitation requirements aligned with small business capabilities. Chaffey’s primary NAICS focus areas include analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, electronic and precision equipment repair and maintenance, and other computer-related services, reflecting his specialization in procuring advanced test equipment, calibration systems, and embedded software solutions. His technical domain expertise centers on sonar, navigation, and electronic warfare systems, ensuring acquisitions align with NUWC’s mission to sustain and enhance the Navy’s undersea technological edge.