Cynthia J Dates

Cynthia J. Dates serves as a Contracting Officer within the FA5066 Hq AFMC/PK organization under the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing mission-critical aerospace and electronic capabilities. She manages the acquisition of advanced instrumentation, communications systems, and laboratory-grade equipment essential to air superiority, intelligence gathering, and weapons system integrity. Her portfolio centers on custom software development and systems design services that modernize sensor platforms, test infrastructure, and control systems for high-performance aircraft and defense platforms. As a key procurement lead, she ensures alignment with Air Force modernization priorities while adhering to federal acquisition regulations and technical compliance standards. While specific contractor names are not disclosed in available data, Cynthia maintains a robust network of vendors specializing in defense-grade software and systems engineering. She frequently engages with both large defense contractors and small business innovators, fostering collaborative partnerships that emphasize technical agility, cybersecurity compliance, and rapid prototyping. Her contracting approach prioritizes performance-based outcomes and risk-managed acquisition strategies tailored to the unique demands of aerospace test and evaluation environments. Cynthia demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly 60% of her acquisitions structured as small business set-asides. Her portfolio includes a balanced mix of 8(a) competed contracts and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, reflecting a deliberate strategy to cultivate a diverse supplier base. She consistently leverages FAR 19.5 provisions to promote equitable access for disadvantaged and veteran-owned firms, reinforcing the Air Force’s broader small business participation goals. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), indicating deep expertise in developing and integrating mission-specific software solutions. She routinely acquires embedded systems, data analytics platforms, and real-time control applications that support aircraft diagnostics, electronic warfare systems, and test range instrumentation—making her a critical enabler of Air Force technological superiority.