Latoya Michel

Latoya Michel supports the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division in procuring advanced simulation and training technologies critical to naval aviation readiness. While her official title is not specified, her procurement activities center on acquiring integrated training systems, immersive simulation environments, and mission-critical avionics infrastructure that enhance pilot and aircrew proficiency. She plays a pivotal role in executing acquisitions aligned with the Department of the Navy’s strategic modernization goals, ensuring that training systems remain technologically current and operationally relevant across maritime aviation domains. Her portfolio includes complex, systems-integrated contracts requiring rigorous technical evaluation and lifecycle sustainment planning. Michel maintains consistent partnerships with key industry leaders such as STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC, and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide high-fidelity flight simulators, synthetic training environments, and curriculum development services. These relationships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in defense-grade training systems, though she also engages a broader base of niche contractors to support specialized technical requirements. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical compliance, and seamless integration with existing naval training architectures. Her procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to small business participation, with approximately one-third of contracts set aside for total small business concerns under FAR 19.5. While the majority of awards are unrestricted, she actively leverages socioeconomic programs to foster innovation and capacity building among qualified small firms, demonstrating alignment with DoD-wide small business objectives. Michel’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers) and 541330 (Engineering Services), reflecting deep expertise in software-defined training platforms, embedded simulation software, and systems engineering support for aviation training infrastructure. She routinely acquires custom-developed training applications, real-time data analytics tools, and interoperable simulation architectures that enable mission rehearsal and tactical proficiency across naval aviation platforms.