Esther R. Archuleta

Esther Archuleta serves as a Contract Specialist at the Headquarters, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFOTEC), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring critical support services that enable independent operational testing of advanced Air Force weapon systems. Her responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—for mission-critical technologies in aerospace, command and control, and cyber-enabled domains. She ensures acquisitions align with AFOTEC’s mandate to validate system effectiveness, suitability, and survivability under realistic operational conditions, prioritizing agile, performance-based contracting approaches that support rapid evaluation cycles. Archuleta collaborates with a diverse array of professional services contractors, including engineering firms, independent test and evaluation organizations, and specialized training providers. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing deep technical expertise in systems analysis, live-fire testing support, and operational assessment methodologies. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for experienced, non-traditional vendors capable of delivering high-integrity, mission-focused services under strict security and compliance protocols. Her procurement strategy is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects AFOTEC’s requirement for the broadest possible access to top-tier technical talent and specialized capabilities, regardless of socioeconomic status, to ensure objective, unbiased test results. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through set-asides, she remains open to qualified small firms demonstrating exceptional technical merit. Archuleta’s primary NAICS focus areas include professional and scientific services for physical and engineering research, professional development training, and electrical apparatus wholesale distribution. She routinely procures services related to systems engineering, test instrumentation, operational scenario design, and technical workforce training, with a strong emphasis on domains critical to Air Force modernization efforts in cyber resilience, autonomous systems, and integrated battle management.