Danita Urioste

Danita Urioste serves as a Contract Specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RDK division (FA9451), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex research and development acquisitions that advance national security technologies. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting cutting-edge work in directed energy, electro-optics, laser systems, and advanced instrumentation, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning acquisitions with the RDK’s mission to sustain air dominance through scientific innovation. Her portfolio primarily encompasses non-repetitive, high-technical-risk R&D projects requiring specialized engineering and scientific expertise. Urioste collaborates with a diverse range of contractors, including national laboratories, defense primes, and niche technology firms with proven capabilities in physical sciences and advanced instrumentation. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical merit, innovation, and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors who demonstrate deep domain expertise in laser vulnerability research, optical system integration, and high-energy physics applications. She prioritizes clear statement of work development and rigorous technical evaluation to ensure contractor alignment with mission-critical objectives. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted competitions, with 100% of her acquisitions issued without set-asides, indicating a focus on sourcing the most technically qualified providers regardless of socioeconomic status. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, she remains compliant with all applicable socioeconomic requirements and evaluates all offers on technical merit and mission suitability. Urioste’s primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541712 and 541715, reflecting her specialization in physical and engineering research and development outside biotechnology and nanotechnology. She routinely procures services related to experimental physics, laser system prototyping, diagnostic instrumentation, and advanced materials testing, requiring deep technical understanding and stringent performance metrics to support next-generation aerospace capabilities.