Catherine W. Hodge

Catherine Hodge serves as a Contracting Specialist within the FA2823 AFTC PZIO under the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring advanced test and evaluation systems critical to aerospace mission readiness. Her portfolio centers on the procurement of high-precision instrumentation for avionics, electronic warfare, radar, and signal intelligence platforms, ensuring the operational integrity of next-generation air and space systems. She manages full lifecycle contracting actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and closeout—for complex technical acquisitions that support modernization of test infrastructure and electromagnetic compatibility validation. Catherine maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including TOM HAMMONDS ENTERPRISES, LLC, STREET LEGAL INDUSTRIES, INC, SPEEGLE CONSTRUCTION, INC, DETECT INC, and THE CONTROLS COMPANY, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for niche contractors with proven expertise in ruggedized test equipment, electromagnetic shielding, signal conditioning hardware, and mission-critical instrumentation assembly. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical compliance, performance-based requirements, and long-term vendor reliability over broad competition, fostering deep collaboration with suppliers who understand the stringent environmental and operational demands of aerospace testing environments. While the majority of her acquisitions (75%) are conducted as unrestricted actions, Catherine actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (25%), aligning with FAR 19.5 guidelines. She prioritizes capable small businesses with relevant technical certifications and demonstrated experience in defense-grade manufacturing, though she does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, favoring broad-based small business eligibility instead. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 332993 (ammunition manufacturing equipment), 336419 (guided missile and space vehicle parts), and 334515 (instrumentation for measuring electrical signals), reflecting deep expertise in defense electronics, sensor integration, and test system calibration. Catherine’s work directly enables the Air Force’s ability to validate performance under extreme operational conditions, bridging engineering requirements with compliant, mission-ready procurement outcomes.