Laurie Banks

Laurie Banks serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4861 99 Cons Lgc under the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that sustain airpower readiness. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for advanced communications systems, specialized test and measurement instrumentation, and custom software solutions supporting command, control, and surveillance infrastructure. Her work ensures the timely delivery of secure, interoperable technologies essential to Air Force operational capabilities, with a focus on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and technical performance standards. Laurie collaborates with a diverse range of vendors, including defense contractors specializing in secure communications equipment, custom programming firms, and manufacturers of precision electronic test instruments. She cultivates strategic partnerships with both large prime contractors and niche technology providers, ensuring technical alignment with Air Force specifications while maintaining rigorous oversight of contract performance and deliverables. Her procurement approach emphasizes vendor accountability, risk mitigation, and adherence to cybersecurity and supply chain integrity requirements. A strong advocate for small business participation, Laurie consistently structures solicitations to maximize opportunities under the Total Small Business Set-Aside program, with 37.5% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses in accordance with FAR 19.5. While the majority of her contracts remain open to all competitors, her deliberate use of set-asides reflects a sustained commitment to fostering innovation and economic inclusion within the defense industrial base. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 and 541519 for custom and other computer-related services, 334515 for electrical test and measurement instrumentation, and 334290 for communications equipment manufacturing. She frequently procures secure data transmission systems, embedded software applications, and specialized test gear used in field maintenance and signal integrity validation, demonstrating deep technical fluency in aerospace communications and electronic systems procurement.