Jenna Loreto

Jenna D. Loreto serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA8750 Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to advance next-generation aerospace and defense technologies through foundational R&D. She manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions for scientific and engineering services, with a focus on autonomous systems, resilient communications, AI-enabled battle-space awareness, and quantum-enabled technologies. Her portfolio centers on research-oriented contracts that bridge cutting-edge innovation with operational capability, ensuring timely and compliant procurement of technical solutions aligned with AFRL’s strategic imperatives. Loreto maintains consistent working relationships with leading defense and technology contractors including Booz Allen Hamilton, Lockheed Martin, and Eaton Corporation, alongside specialized small businesses such as Technergetics, LLC and Caelight, Inc. Her procurement approach emphasizes collaboration with firms possessing deep expertise in applied sciences and systems integration, fostering long-term partnerships that support rapid prototyping and transition of laboratory innovations into field-ready capabilities. She frequently engages vendors with proven track records in high-assurance software development, sensor systems, and advanced materials research. Her contracting patterns reflect a primary emphasis on open competition, with 71.1% of awards issued without set-aside designation. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, allocating 26.7% of awards to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and an additional 2.2% to 8(a) competed contracts, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both innovation velocity and socioeconomic goals. Loreto’s procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), reflecting her central role in acquiring software development, algorithm design, and AI/ML system integration. She also routinely procures support services under NAICS 561990 and security systems under 561621, underscoring her expertise in securing mission-critical digital infrastructure and cyber-resilient platforms for next-generation air and space systems.