NAWCTSD holds federal contracting and defense innovation event at Tech Grove

By Cassidy Mills, Staff Writer

 

The Naval Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWCTSD) led a “Project 160/Juice Bar” event focused on federal contracting opportunities, innovation initiatives and strategies for industry engagement at Central Florida Tech Grove, May 29.

 

The session was part of Tech Grove’s ongoing efforts to connect industry and government in support of defense innovation and procurement transparency.

 

NAWCTSD is responsible for developing and supporting training systems for the U.S. Navy across multiple domains, including aviation, surface ships, submarines and other specialized areas.

 

The session included remarks from Damion M. Bailey, deputy director for small business programs at NAWCTSD. Bailey, who has over 20 years of experience in Department of Defense (DoD) acquisition, holds certifications under the Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act and from the National Contract Management Association.

 

Bailey’s responsibilities include evaluating acquisition requirements, advising senior leadership and promoting the inclusion of small and socioeconomically disadvantaged businesses in the federal contracting process.

 

“My function is to help the PMs, the contracting officers and the rest of the acquisition team give small businesses a fair opportunity in their acquisitions,” Bailey said. “People think that we’re here just to help small businesses figure things out and we are but more importantly, we make sure our internal teams are doing proper market research and applying acquisition strategies that ensure fair access.”

 

The event showcased how businesses can locate and track upcoming procurement opportunities, participate in outreach and networking events and access resources available through NAWCTSD’s Office of Small Business Programs.

 

Bailey described NAWCTSD’s work, which includes the development and support of training systems, training services for fielded simulators, instructional content and consulting services related to research and development.

 

“We work to find small businesses that align with what we need and connect them with our leadership and program managers. If you have questions about an acquisition, clauses in a solicitation or if you’re not being utilized as a subcontractor after being included in a proposal, we’re here to help,” Bailey said. “If you don’t get paid or are having issues on your contract or subcontract, that’s something we want to address.”

 

Bailey said the office’s role is advising acquisition personnel on small business participation and in supporting businesses in interpreting federal regulations and resolving contract-related issues.

 

The event included an overview of Tech Grove’s approach to identifying and integrating commercial technologies into defense applications. Bailey said that through prize challenges, technology scans and tabletop exchanges, Tech Grove aims to discover innovative solutions to complex national security problems and assess their alignment with DoD requirements.

 

“These events connect innovators with non-traditional training solutions to government organizations and some non-government organizations as well,” Bailey said. “Their mission is to cultivate the local Orlando environment, leveraging capabilities across government, academia and industry to enhance service operability so training matches operational needs.”

 

Bailey said these efforts are intended to support rapid prototyping, encourage cross-sector collaboration and maintain awareness of emerging capabilities within the defense ecosystem.