Kimberly Tate

Kimberly Tate supports the FA9302 AFTC PZZ mission by managing critical procurement activities focused on advanced airborne systems, mission-critical avionics, and next-generation wireless communications infrastructure. She oversees the acquisition of specialized aeronautical navigation, guidance, and radio frequency systems essential for flight testing and air dominance capabilities. Her work ensures timely delivery of technically complex solutions that enhance the Department of the Air Force’s test and evaluation infrastructure, bridging cutting-edge technology development with operational readiness requirements. Tate maintains strategic partnerships with key contractors including CaraHsoft Technology Corp, Stirling Dynamics Limited, and Aantilia LLC, each of which provides specialized software, systems integration, and aerospace engineering services. Her contracting approach emphasizes collaboration with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in avionics, signal processing, and mission-critical software development. These relationships are characterized by long-term technical alignment and a focus on agile, performance-based acquisition strategies that support rapid prototyping and field validation. Her procurement portfolio reflects a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly half of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of contracts remain open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides demonstrates a deliberate effort to foster innovation from emerging aerospace and IT vendors, promoting competitive diversity within the defense technology supply chain. Tate’s primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 513210 (Software Publishers) and 611512 (Flight Training), reflecting her emphasis on mission simulation, embedded software, and training system integration. She also frequently procures radio and wireless communications equipment (NAICS 334220), supporting the development of secure, jam-resistant airborne data links. Her technical expertise spans avionics architecture, digital signal processing, and flight test instrumentation, positioning her at the intersection of defense systems engineering and acquisition execution.