Vicki J Preston

Vicki J. Preston serves as a key procurement professional responsible for managing complex acquisitions within the aerospace and aviation systems domain. Her work centers on securing critical components for military and defense aviation platforms, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical parts that support airworthiness and operational readiness. She handles full lifecycle contracting actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and contract administration—primarily focused on high-precision manufacturing requirements. Her role is integral to sustaining the nation’s aerospace supply chain, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and technical performance standards. Preston cultivates strategic relationships with a narrow but highly specialized base of manufacturers, primarily those certified to produce aircraft subsystems, engine components, and auxiliary equipment. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with Tier 2 and Tier 3 suppliers possessing AS9100 certification and robust quality management systems. She favors vendors with proven track records in low-volume, high-integrity production and maintains close collaboration with engineering and logistics teams to align contractual deliverables with technical specifications. Her contracting approach demonstrates a strong preference for small business participation, with over 26% of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She actively leverages the Small Business Administration’s programs to expand access for qualified manufacturers, prioritizing firms with expertise in precision machining and aerospace-grade fabrication. While no specific socioeconomic categories dominate, her consistent use of small business set-asides signals a deliberate commitment to fostering competition and innovation among non-traditional defense suppliers. Preston’s technical focus is overwhelmingly concentrated in NAICS 336413—Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing—reflecting deep expertise in avionics housings, actuation systems, and non-propulsive airframe components. She also procures related engine parts under NAICS 336412 and specialized fluid power components under NAICS 332912, demonstrating proficiency in integrated systems procurement across multiple aerospace subsystems. Her domain knowledge spans materials science, military specifications (MIL-SPEC), and FAA/DoD certification standards, positioning her as a trusted advisor in high-reliability aerospace contracting.