Grace A. Podoll

Grace A. Podoll serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA7000 10 Cons Lgc unit of the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in procuring precision instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and specialized technical systems critical to aerospace research and cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Her acquisitions support the modernization of scientific facilities and the sustainment of high-fidelity analytical capabilities essential to operational readiness. She manages the full lifecycle of complex procurements, from requirements validation and market research through solicitation, evaluation, and contract award, ensuring compliance with FAR and DFARS regulations while aligning with the agency’s mission to maintain cutting-edge technical infrastructure. Podoll maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including SAWASAWA LLC, BERNARD CAP, LLC, TEAL DRONES INC, BRANSCOME OPERATING, LLC, and LAVISION, INC. These contractors provide advanced measurement systems, unmanned aerial systems for training applications, and high-precision optical instrumentation. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established technical suppliers with proven expertise in aerospace-grade equipment, indicating a focus on reliability, calibration integrity, and long-term support capabilities rather than broad market competition. Her contracting approach prioritizes open competition, with 85.7% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, reflecting the specialized nature of the equipment and the limited pool of qualified vendors. The remaining 14.3% are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to small business participation where market conditions permit. She does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, instead favoring broad-based small business eligibility when technical requirements allow. Her primary NAICS focus lies in 511210 (Software Publishers), supporting data acquisition and analysis platforms, followed by 334210 (Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing) and 339920 (Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing), which reflect niche applications in training simulators and instrumentation. Her domain expertise centers on electro-optical systems, sensor calibration, and technical training equipment, making her a key liaison between scientific end-users and defense-industrial suppliers.