Leah Herce-Andino

Leah Herce-Andino serves as a Contract Specialist within the Commanding Officer (N63394) of the Department of the Navy, where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions to sustain and modernize naval aviation and electronic warfare systems. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for mission-critical aerospace components, advanced electronic assemblies, sensor technologies, and cybersecurity-enabled communications infrastructure, ensuring alignment with operational readiness goals and defense modernization priorities. Her expertise spans complex procurement actions under FAR and DFARS, with a focus on technical requirements for high-reliability systems used in naval aircraft and electronic combat platforms. Her primary contractor relationships are anchored by long-standing partnerships with AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC and LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION, reflecting a preference for established defense industry prime contractors capable of delivering high-integrity, classified, and ITAR-controlled systems. While these key vendors dominate her portfolio, she also engages a broader ecosystem of specialized suppliers to support niche technical requirements, maintaining rigorous oversight of performance, compliance, and delivery timelines. Leah demonstrates an unwavering commitment to small business participation, with 100% of her acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This consistent approach ensures equitable access for small businesses to support the Navy’s innovation pipeline, fostering partnerships with firms certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB programs, and reinforcing the Department’s socioeconomic objectives. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 812332 (Industrial Launderers), 423610 (Electrical Apparatus and Equipment Merchant Wholesalers), and 813110 (Religious Organizations), each representing 33.3% of her portfolio. These codes reflect the nuanced, often indirect nature of her contracting activity—where support services for facility operations, specialized electrical supply chains, and unique logistical arrangements enable mission-critical defense functions. Her domain expertise lies in bridging commercial supply capabilities with military operational needs, ensuring seamless integration of non-traditional vendors into the defense acquisition framework.