Valentina Walsh

Valentina Walsh serves as the primary contracting lead for the Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (N61340), where she oversees the acquisition of advanced simulation, avionics, and immersive training systems critical to naval aviation readiness. Responsible for end-to-end procurement of mission-critical training infrastructure, she manages complex contracts for tactical flight simulators, mission rehearsal environments, and integrated avionics testbeds aligned with the Navy’s modernization priorities. Her portfolio centers on engineering-intense, technology-driven acquisitions that support pilot and aircrew proficiency across live, virtual, and constructive training domains. Walsh maintains consistent, high-impact relationships with STRACON SERVICES GROUP, LLC and FLIGHTSAFETY INTERNATIONAL INC, both of which provide specialized simulation hardware, training system integration, and aviation curriculum development services. Her contracting approach favors established industry partners with proven capabilities in defense-grade training systems, though she actively engages a broader base of niche vendors to support innovation and system interoperability. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with deep domain expertise in military aviation training and real-time simulation architectures. Her procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to small business participation, with approximately one-third of contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5). While the majority of acquisitions remain open to all competitors, she prioritizes small business eligibility for engineering and integration tasks, ensuring diverse vendor involvement without compromising technical rigor or mission assurance. Walsh’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), where she acquires embedded computing systems, flight simulators, and mission-specific hardware, alongside NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) for systems integration, software development, and training curriculum design. Her expertise spans avionics architecture, real-time simulation platforms, and human-in-the-loop training systems, making her a key steward of the Navy’s next-generation aviation training ecosystem.