Capt Jared Holt

Capt Jared Holt serves as Chief of Security for Technical Questions at Headquarters, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), where he provides critical technical oversight for security-critical acquisitions related to operational testing of aerospace, cyber, and command and control systems. While not a contracting officer, Capt Holt plays an indispensable advisory role in shaping technical requirements, evaluating vendor solutions for compliance with Air Force security protocols, and ensuring that procurement efforts align with operational test and evaluation standards. His input directly influences the scope and specifications of contracts for secure hardware, encrypted communications, intrusion detection systems, and mission assurance technologies essential to validating weapon system readiness. Capt Holt collaborates closely with defense contractors specializing in classified system integration, cybersecurity instrumentation, and test range infrastructure. He works primarily with Tier 1 defense primes and niche SMEs possessing DoD clearance and experience in operational test environments, often engaging vendors during the pre-solicitation phase to refine technical performance parameters. His relationships are characterized by a demand for transparency, rigorous documentation, and adherence to NIST and DoD Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) standards. While no formal set-aside preferences are documented, Capt Holt’s technical evaluations consistently favor vendors with proven experience in secure government testing environments, which often includes service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) and HUBZone firms capable of supporting classified test operations. His influence promotes equitable access for qualified small businesses with the technical credentials to meet AFOTEC’s stringent security and operational demands. His industry focus centers on NAICS categories related to cybersecurity systems integration (541512), defense testing services (541715), and military communications equipment (334220). He specializes in procuring secure testbeds, embedded security modules, network vulnerability assessment tools, and real-time data acquisition systems used to evaluate the survivability and resilience of next-generation Air Force platforms under operational conditions.