Jenna A. Tarbania

Jenna Tarbania serves as a secondary procurement specialist within the Air Force Research Laboratory’s RIKO office (FA8751), supporting the development and acquisition of advanced aerospace and electronic systems critical to next-generation air and space platforms. She plays a key role in facilitating contracts for cutting-edge research in sensing, signal processing, and AI-enabled command and control technologies, working closely with technical teams to translate mission needs into compliant acquisition strategies. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development solicitations, prototype acquisitions under Other Transaction Authorities, and specialized engineering services aimed at enhancing the resilience and autonomy of military platforms. Tarbania maintains consistent working relationships with leading technology innovators including SCALE AI, INC., CADENCE DESIGN SYSTEMS INC, and Noisy Labs GmbH, reflecting a preference for high-caliber firms with expertise in AI/ML algorithms, semiconductor design, and high-speed signal instrumentation. Her procurement patterns emphasize partnerships with firms capable of rapid prototyping and iterative development, often engaging non-traditional defense contractors and international innovators to accelerate technological insertion. These relationships are characterized by collaborative, agile contracting approaches suited to high-risk, high-reward R&D environments. Her contracting activity shows a strong emphasis on open competition, with 69% of awards issued without set-asides, while still maintaining a meaningful commitment to small business participation—nearly 30% of awards are structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. A small but consistent portion supports 8(a) and EDWOSB programs, indicating a balanced approach that prioritizes technical capability while ensuring socioeconomic diversity in the supplier base. Her primary NAICS focus lies in software publishing (511210), analytical laboratory instrumentation (334516), and wireless communications equipment manufacturing (334220), underscoring deep expertise in AI-driven signal processing, quantum sensing systems, and high-fidelity electronic test instrumentation. She consistently procures advanced software tools, custom semiconductor components, and embedded systems that enable autonomous decision-making in contested environments.