William A. Hess

William A. Hess serves as a primary contracting professional within the Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), overseeing the acquisition and lifecycle management of critical naval aviation systems. He plays a pivotal role in executing the agency’s mission to modernize carrier-based and expeditionary aircraft fleets by managing complex procurement actions for aircraft components, avionics, and supporting logistics infrastructure. His portfolio centers on technical, high-performance systems requiring rigorous testing and integration, with a focus on sustaining air superiority through advanced aerospace technologies. Hess routinely handles full and open competitions under FAR Part 15 procedures, ensuring compliance with defense acquisition regulations and operational readiness requirements. Hess maintains consistent contracting relationships with leading defense aerospace primes including Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and General Atomics, partnering with these firms to deliver next-generation aircraft platforms, unmanned systems, and mission-critical avionics. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term sustainment contracts and performance-based logistics, fostering collaborative partnerships that prioritize technical innovation, supply chain resilience, and rapid fielding of capabilities. These relationships reflect a pattern of engagement with Tier-1 system integrators capable of meeting stringent Navy and Marine Corps operational standards. Hess’s contracting activity is entirely focused on full and open competition, with no set-asides designated for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic categories. This reflects NAVAIR’s strategic emphasis on leveraging the full industrial base to meet mission-critical performance thresholds, particularly in domains requiring advanced engineering and classified capabilities. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his portfolio, all acquisitions adhere to federal procurement transparency and fair competition principles. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 336413—Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing—where he acquires flight control systems, propulsion components, and mission-specific avionics. He also engages in aircraft manufacturing (336411) and engine parts procurement (336412), demonstrating deep technical expertise in naval aviation systems integration and sustainment. His domain knowledge spans rotary-wing and fixed-wing platforms, electronic warfare suites, and weapon interface systems essential to naval airpower.