Jala McLaughlin

Jala McLaughlin serves as a key procurement lead within the FA2823 AFTC PZIO, a specialized unit of the Department of the Air Force dedicated to advancing airborne and ground-based sensing, communication, and test instrumentation systems. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions in support of aerospace mission readiness, McLaughlin oversees contracts for high-precision avionics, electronic warfare test platforms, and signal intelligence infrastructure. Her work ensures the modernization of test and evaluation capabilities critical to maintaining air dominance, with a focus on integrating cutting-edge measurement and control technologies into operational systems. McLaughlin maintains consistent partnerships with a select group of contractors including TOM HAMMONDS ENTERPRISES, LLC, STREET LEGAL INDUSTRIES, INC, SPEEGLE CONSTRUCTION, INC, DETECT INC, and THE CONTROLS COMPANY, LLC. These vendors provide specialized engineering, construction, and instrumentation services tailored to military test ranges and electromagnetic environment simulation. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical alignment, and performance-based contracting to support mission-critical infrastructure upgrades. A strong advocate for small business participation, McLaughlin prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts under FAR 19.5, with 76.2% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster innovation through agile, niche suppliers and to comply with statutory socioeconomic goals. Her contracting patterns consistently channel opportunities to small firms capable of delivering specialized technical solutions in high-demand domains. Her primary NAICS focus includes 238210 for electrical and wiring installation services, 333310 for commercial machinery manufacturing, and 332992 for small arms ammunition production—reflecting a blend of infrastructure, test equipment, and tactical support needs. She also frequently procures systems under 334515 for precision electrical signal measurement, demonstrating deep expertise in instrumentation for aerospace test and evaluation environments.