Theresa M. Sylvester

Theresa M. Sylvester serves as an Acquisition Specialist with deep expertise in aerospace and avionics procurement, managing complex contracts for critical defense and aviation system components. She plays a pivotal role in executing the agency’s acquisition strategy by ensuring timely, compliant, and technically sound procurement of high-performance aircraft systems. Her portfolio centers on the development and integration of specialized aeronautical hardware, including propulsion systems, flight-critical avionics, and auxiliary equipment, requiring rigorous adherence to Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) standards. Sylvester works closely with engineering and program management teams to translate technical requirements into solicitation language that attracts qualified industry partners while mitigating supply chain risk. Her contractor relationships are primarily with Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers specializing in aerospace components, including firms with AS9100 certification and ITAR compliance. She engages with a focused network of suppliers capable of meeting stringent military specifications for parts integration, testing, and quality assurance. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established aerospace manufacturers with proven track records in low-volume, high-reliability production environments. Sylvester’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic alignment with mission-critical requirements where technical capability, production scale, and supply chain resilience take precedence over socioeconomic preferences. Her approach prioritizes performance and compliance over set-aside mechanisms, though she remains knowledgeable in 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB programs and may consider them when technically viable. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), with secondary emphasis on aircraft engine manufacturing (336412) and aeronautical system instrumentation (334511). She specializes in procuring flight control systems, sensor housings, power distribution units, and other mission-critical components requiring precision engineering and rigorous certification standards. Sylvester’s technical domain expertise spans propulsion subsystems, avionics integration, and aerospace materials compliance.