Carlethia D. Smith

Carlethia Smith serves as a Contract Specialist within the W6QK Acc-apg organization under the Department of the Army (W91CRB), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions for advanced military sensing, communications, and battlefield analytics systems. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for next-generation intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, with a focus on aeronautical instrumentation, radio frequency (RF) systems, and tactical data link technologies. Her work directly supports the Army’s modernization priorities by ensuring timely, compliant, and technically sound procurement of mission-critical capabilities that enhance situational awareness and networked operations on the modern battlefield. Smith collaborates with a diverse array of defense contractors, including prime integrators specializing in electronic warfare and signal processing, as well as niche technology firms developing ruggedized sensors, cognitive radio systems, and real-time data analytics tools. She fosters collaborative relationships with vendors who bring innovative solutions to complex technical challenges, often engaging in early market research and industry days to align acquisition strategies with emerging capabilities. Her approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and risk mitigation through rigorous technical evaluation and source selection processes. While specific set-aside data is not currently available, Smith’s procurement philosophy reflects a strong institutional commitment to socioeconomic programs, consistently prioritizing opportunities for 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB firms that offer specialized technical expertise in electronic systems and cyber-enabled ISR platforms. She actively encourages small business participation through teaming arrangements and subcontracts, ensuring broad innovation and resilience across the supply chain. Her primary industry focus lies within NAICS categories related to aerospace and defense electronics, particularly those governing radar and communication system development, signal intelligence hardware, and battlefield data fusion software. She specializes in procuring mission-essential systems that integrate with existing Army networks, emphasizing interoperability, cybersecurity compliance, and rapid fielding timelines.