Carolyn P. Smith

Carolyn P. Smith serves as a Specialized Contracting Officer within the 763d Enterprise Sourcing Squadron of the Department of the Air Force, where she leads the acquisition of mission-critical technology solutions that sustain airpower readiness. Her role centers on executing complex procurements for custom software development and digital systems that enhance pilot training, communications resilience, and enterprise logistics. As a key enabler of operational modernization, Smith ensures that contracting actions align with Air Force strategic priorities, particularly in advancing digital infrastructure and software-defined capabilities for combat and training environments. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation to contract award and performance oversight—focusing on agile, results-driven contracting methods tailored to rapidly evolving technological needs. Smith’s procurement approach is deeply rooted in small business engagement, with 100% of her acquisitions set aside exclusively for small businesses under FAR 19.5. She actively cultivates partnerships with a diverse ecosystem of small, innovative vendors, including those certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and Women-Owned Small Business programs, ensuring broad competitive participation and fostering a resilient supply base. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to leverage small business agility and niche technical expertise to meet the Air Force’s urgent capability gaps. Her primary focus is on NAICS 541511, Custom Computer Programming Services, reflecting her specialization in bespoke software development, systems integration, and mission-specific application design. She procures services including flight simulation software, secure communication platforms, data analytics tools, and training management systems—all engineered to support pilot proficiency and operational readiness. Smith’s technical expertise lies at the intersection of defense IT modernization and software lifecycle management, making her a critical liaison between operational requirements and commercial innovation.