Kara Loeber

Kara Loeber supports the procurement mission of the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Propulsion Directorate (AFRL PZLE), facilitating acquisitions for advanced aerospace instrumentation and mission-critical scientific systems. In this capacity, she manages the acquisition lifecycle for complex technical solutions including electromagnetic measurement devices, high-precision data acquisition systems, and specialized simulation software essential to propulsion and aerospace R&D. Her work directly enables the development and sustainment of next-generation test and evaluation capabilities for Department of the Air Force programs, ensuring alignment with technical requirements and mission timelines. Loeber maintains strategic relationships with key contractors including The MathWorks, Inc., for advanced modeling and simulation tools, and Potomac Electrical Services, LLC, for specialized instrumentation support and system integration services. Her contracting approach emphasizes technical compatibility, reliability, and long-term sustainment, often engaging vendors with proven expertise in aerospace-grade hardware and software environments. These partnerships reflect a preference for established industry leaders capable of delivering mission-essential systems under stringent performance and security standards. Her procurement portfolio exhibits a strong emphasis on open competition, with 73.7% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, reflecting the technical complexity and limited vendor base for specialized aerospace instrumentation. Nevertheless, she consistently supports small business participation, with 26.3% of awards directed toward total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to innovation and socioeconomic goals. Loeber’s primary NAICS focus includes 334519 for other measuring and controlling device manufacturing, 541715 for physical and engineering research and development, and 339940 for specialized office equipment manufacturing relevant to laboratory environments. Her acquisitions center on high-precision scientific instruments, signal analysis systems, and custom software for data acquisition and simulation—domain expertise critical to propulsion testing, flight diagnostics, and advanced materials characterization.