Carla Lopez-Pacheco

Carla Lopez-Pacheco serves as a primary contracting professional within the W6QK Acc-orlando office of the Department of the Army, where she plays a central role in advancing military training systems through the acquisition of advanced engineering, simulation, and aviation technologies. She manages a portfolio of complex contracts focused on modernizing live-fire training infrastructure, mission command systems, and flight training platforms, ensuring alignment with Army modernization priorities and operational readiness goals. Her acquisitions emphasize technical innovation, systems integration, and rapid prototyping to support next-generation force development. Lopez-Pacheco maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including TORCH RESEARCH, LLC, AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY INTERNATIONAL, and FIDELITY TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION. These partnerships reflect a preference for mid-to-large-tier defense technology firms with proven expertise in simulation modeling, training system integration, and aviation support services. Her contracting approach prioritizes performance-based outcomes, technical compliance, and rapid delivery cycles to meet urgent training modernization timelines. Her procurement strategy demonstrates a strong emphasis on open competition, with 80% of awards issued without set-aside designations. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a balanced commitment to fostering innovation from the small business sector while maintaining access to specialized defense capabilities. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 611512 (Flight Training), where she acquires pilot training simulators, virtual reality-based flight systems, and curriculum-integrated training devices. She also frequently procures under NAICS 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), acquiring specialized training equipment such as artillery engagement simulators and tactical command consoles. Her domain expertise centers on integrating immersive technologies into military education pipelines to enhance soldier readiness and operational effectiveness.