Stephen Winkler

Stephen Winkler serves as a Contract Specialist at the Naval Air Warfare Center Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex procurements critical to the sustainment and modernization of naval aviation systems. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of acquisition actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—he specializes in technical contracts for avionics, flight control systems, diagnostic instrumentation, and mission-critical support technologies. His work directly supports NAWCAD’s mission to advance the readiness and performance of next-generation naval airpower through rigorous research, development, test, and evaluation initiatives. Winkler maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading defense and aerospace contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation, BAE Systems Information and Electronic Systems Integration Inc., PCI Aviation LLC, Critical Communications, Controls and Instruments, LLC, and Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on high-precision engineering and systems integration, with vendors providing advanced hardware, software, and test equipment tailored to naval aircraft platforms. His procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and long-term sustainment support, fostering collaborative relationships with industry partners capable of meeting stringent military specifications. Winkler’s contracting portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical expertise rather than socioeconomic set-asides, prioritizing mission-critical capability over socioeconomic classification. While small business participation is not formally targeted through set-asides, vendors of all sizes are evaluated equally on technical merit, past performance, and ability to deliver complex aerospace systems. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) and 541715 (R&D in Physical and Engineering Sciences), with significant activity in 334519 (Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) and 334290 (Other Communications Equipment Manufacturing). He routinely acquires specialized avionics, embedded systems, flight test instrumentation, and diagnostic platforms, demonstrating deep expertise in aerospace systems engineering and electronic warfare support technologies.