Tay C. Ashford

Tay C. Ashford serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the acquisition lifecycle for critical aerospace components and systems. In this role, Ashford ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations, including FAR and DFARS, while executing competitive solicitation strategies that align with national defense and aviation modernization priorities. They specialize in complex technical procurements involving aircraft subsystems, focusing on ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical parts through full and open competition and targeted set-asides. Ashford’s work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain operational readiness through reliable, high-integrity aviation hardware. Ashford collaborates primarily with Tier 1 and Tier 2 aerospace manufacturers specializing in aircraft engine components and auxiliary equipment. While no specific contractor names are identified, their procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with established defense industrial base suppliers possessing AS9100 certification and ITAR compliance. Relationships are characterized by long-term contract administration, performance-based acquisition methods, and rigorous source selection evaluations emphasizing technical capability, past performance, and quality assurance systems. Ashford’s contracting portfolio is overwhelmingly dominated by full and open competitions, with only 2.3% of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a strategic preference for leveraging the broader industrial base rather than socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. While small business participation is not a primary focus, all awards adhere to applicable small business subcontracting goals where required. The primary NAICS codes under Ashford’s purview are 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing) and 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), indicating deep expertise in procuring flight-critical systems such as fuel controls, hydraulic actuators, and engine mounts. Their technical domain encompasses precision-machined components, avionics integration hardware, and certified aftermarket parts requiring stringent FAA and DoD airworthiness standards.