Katie Tanner

Katie Tanner supports critical acquisition activities within the FA8540 Aflcmc Eskb, a key unit under the Department of the Air Force responsible for sustaining and modernizing advanced airborne sensor, targeting, and navigation systems. She plays a central role in managing lifecycle procurement for electro-optical and electronic warfare technologies, including LANTIRN, SNIPER, LITENING, and AN/APX-119 IFF systems. Her work ensures operational readiness for manned and unmanned platforms by facilitating timely, compliant, and technically sound contract awards that align with Air Force modernization priorities. She primarily handles engineering services and technical support contracts essential to maintaining air dominance and situational awareness across contested environments. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Katie collaborates with a diverse range of defense technology vendors, including prime contractors and specialized subcontractors with expertise in avionics integration, signal processing, and mission system sustainment. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established defense industry partners with proven capabilities in ruggedized electro-optical systems and electronic warfare countermeasures, often engaging firms with prior experience on legacy and next-generation airborne platforms. Katie demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately one-third of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. Her contracting approach actively promotes access for small businesses capable of delivering niche engineering and technical support services, aligning with Department of Defense mandates to broaden the industrial base and foster innovation from emerging vendors. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), reflecting her specialization in technical support for sensor integration, system upgrades, and maintenance of complex airborne systems. She also engages NAICS 811219 for specialized repair and maintenance of electronic equipment. Katie’s expertise centers on the sustainment of mission-critical avionics, ensuring interoperability, reliability, and technological superiority for U.S. and allied air forces.