Jay Dee Solether

Jay Dee Solether serves as a key procurement lead within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Precision Systems Division, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s advanced research and development mission. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions of high-precision scientific instrumentation and specialized signal measurement systems, Solether ensures alignment with AFRL’s strategic priorities in aerospace innovation. Their portfolio focuses on the design, integration, and sustainment of analytical laboratory equipment, electromagnetic sensors, and mission-critical data acquisition software, bridging technical requirements with federal acquisition compliance. Solether plays a central role in translating laboratory R&D needs into actionable contracting strategies that enable rapid prototyping and field deployment of next-generation defense technologies. Solether maintains consistent working relationships with industry leaders such as The MathWorks, Inc. for advanced simulation and modeling software, and Potomac Electrical Services, LLC for specialized instrumentation support and calibration services. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with deep domain expertise in aerospace-grade electronics and scientific software ecosystems. Solether prioritizes vendors capable of rapid iteration, technical documentation compliance, and on-site system integration, fostering long-term collaborative relationships over transactional engagements. Solether’s contracting approach reflects a balanced commitment to small business participation, with approximately 32% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of procurements remain open to all competitors, there is a clear preference for qualified small businesses with proven capabilities in precision instrument manufacturing and electronic repair. No 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB-specific set-asides are predominant, indicating a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic categorization alone. The procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 334516 for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing and 334515 for electrical signal measurement systems, with additional emphasis on industrial machinery (333248), professional scientific services (541990), and precision equipment maintenance (811210). Solether routinely procures mass spectrometers, signal analyzers, embedded data acquisition units, and custom firmware for defense-relevant applications, demonstrating deep technical fluency in aerospace instrumentation and laboratory automation systems.