Government Contracting and Acquisition- An Interview from the Inside with Ashley Carter 

Ashley Carter has been an essential part of NSTXL’s Acquisition team since 2020 and was recently named our Vice President of Contracting and Acquisition. She navigates the ins and outs of our industry with ease, which allows us to focus on what we do best, changing the way government innovates. Learn more about Ashley and why this role is so pivotal below.

The Road to NSTXL

From Ashley Carter:

“There is a long history of military in my family, which is a primary reason I got into this industry. Change was the norm for me growing up, and it taught me that it’s inevitable. I learned that you must be able to adapt and embrace the process. Look at the positive side of change and the opportunity it brings. This is an important lesson I carry with me in my work with NSTXL.

I attended the University of Central Florida for my bachelor’s degree in business management. While attending college, I was a full-time support contractor for the Marine Corps, PM TRASYS. Here, I gained insight into and training in Government contracting. Postgraduation, I was hired as a Civilian Contracts Specialist with the Army Contracting Command.

I was drawn to NSTXL for a multitude of reasons. The growth potential for NSTXL and my career, along with the benefits such as flexible work schedules to achieve a work/ life balance and focus on employee wellness, were very appealing and aligned with my values. Ultimately, I desired an opportunity to continue to refine my skill set and gain experience from an industry perspective. In turn, I contribute my expertise and knowledge of Government acquisitions to the Other Transaction environment. I do this by expanding awareness of this rapidly progressing procurement tool and influencing the acquisition community.”

What Does a Vice President of Contracting and Acquisition Do?

“In my role, I oversee all aspects of government contracting. I look for ways to improve our processes and communications to address industry concerns while maintaining compliance with laws and regulations. My goal is to establish and maintain collaborative relationships. Open communication and knowledge sharing that portray respect and understanding help ensure all parties feel valued as team members and share common goals. My vision is to influence and impact our organization’s culture positively and how we interact with customers and performers.”

The Best Part of the Job

“My favorite part about working for NSTXL is the people! NSTXL hires some of our industry’s most talented people with very driven and self-starter mindsets. I aspire to learn and surround myself with others who also seek self-improvement. I find great inspiration and motivation from others who continuously seek opportunities for improvement to achieve their goals. Additionally, I enjoy engaging with our diverse group of customers and performers. Through this, I gain exposure and insight into various requirements that allow me to creatively assist in identifying unique strategies to address their needs.”

Where the Road Leads

“Educating! Developing and assisting in creating training materials to educate our acquisition team and industry and government customers to inform and spread awareness of the purpose and benefits of using OTs.”

What Sets NSTXL Apart

As a consortium manager, NSTXL is a trusted partner that bridges the gap between government and industry. Through our consortium-managed OTAs, we streamline acquisition processes, reduce administrative burden, and create a flexible environment where innovation thrives. This model opens the door to a broader mix of performers—from non-traditional suppliers and small businesses to large industry leaders, expanding the talent pool and accelerating the path from idea to capability.

NSTXL is always striving for excellence. We seek ways to improve to meet the goals of our ever-evolving environment and customer requirements. NTSXL prides itself on going above and beyond the call of duty to offer outstanding customer service and maintain a positive and collaborative attitude throughout the process. Join the mission today.