Tay Ashford

Tay Ashford serves as Contract Manager at the Headquarters of Air Combat Command’s Acquisition Management Integration Center (FA4890), where they play a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurement actions to sustain and modernize air dominance capabilities. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts, Ashford specializes in acquiring advanced training systems, command and control infrastructure, and technical services that directly enhance pilot readiness, surveillance effectiveness, and tactical communications. Their work ensures that acquisition outcomes align with operational imperatives, bridging the gap between warfighter needs and industry capabilities through disciplined contract administration and risk-informed decision-making. Ashford maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including VETPRIDE-EMI MAINTENANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC, MILTRAIN JV II LLC, and JBW FEDITC JV LLC, all of which provide specialized technical services and integrated solutions for Air Combat Command’s training and operational systems. These partnerships reflect a preference for joint ventures and veteran-owned entities with proven expertise in defense-specific IT and maintenance environments. The contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, long-term service delivery, and technical interoperability across legacy and next-generation platforms. A strong commitment to socioeconomic goals is evident in Ashford’s procurement patterns, with 63.6% of awards designated for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, reflecting a deliberate strategy to empower veteran-led enterprises. The remaining 36.4% of contracts are awarded without set-aside, typically for complex, integrated solutions requiring specialized technical capacity. This balance underscores a mission-driven focus on both capability delivery and national priority for veteran economic inclusion. Ashford’s portfolio is concentrated in three NAICS categories—334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), 541513 (Computer Facilities Management Services), and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services)—each representing core domains in defense IT infrastructure, simulation systems, and mission-critical technical support. Their expertise lies in procuring hardware, software, and services that enable secure, scalable, and interoperable computing environments essential to air combat readiness.