Shirley Ward

Shirley Ward serves as a Contract Specialist within the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring mission-critical training systems for naval aviation and maritime operations. She manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for advanced simulation platforms, immersive training environments, and avionics infrastructure essential to pilot and aircrew readiness. Her acquisitions focus on integrating cutting-edge technologies into operational training pipelines, ensuring compliance with Navy modernization priorities and defense acquisition regulations. Ward’s portfolio centers on complex, technically demanding contracts requiring deep domain expertise in aviation training systems and real-time modeling environments. Ward maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide specialized simulation hardware, software, and curriculum development services. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical excellence, performance-based outcomes, and agile delivery methodologies. She actively collaborates with industry to refine requirements, streamline acquisition pathways, and ensure solutions align with evolving tactical training needs across naval aviation platforms. A staunch advocate for socioeconomic opportunity, Ward directs 100% of her set-aside contracts to small businesses under FAR 19.5, ensuring robust participation from small disadvantaged and veteran-owned firms. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate and sustained commitment to expanding the defense industrial base by prioritizing small business capabilities in high-technology domains. This approach not only fulfills statutory mandates but also fosters innovation through diverse vendor engagement. Her primary NAICS focus lies in Electronic Computer Manufacturing (334111) and Computer Terminal and Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing (334118), reflecting her specialization in procuring custom-built training simulators, embedded avionics, and integrated hardware-software systems. Ward’s expertise spans the acquisition of mission-specific computing platforms, real-time data acquisition systems, and simulation interfaces critical to next-generation naval aviation training.