Lesha Shortle

Lesha Shortle serves as a key procurement professional within the FA2823 AFTC PZIO, a critical unit under the Department of the Air Force responsible for advancing airborne and ground-based sensing, communication, and test instrumentation systems. In this role, Shortle manages acquisitions for high-precision measurement, control, and signal intelligence technologies essential to avionics modernization and electromagnetic environment testing. Their portfolio centers on mission-critical instrumentation, including analytical laboratory equipment, electromagnetic compatibility systems, and specialized test platforms used to validate aerospace weapon system performance. Shortle ensures compliance with defense acquisition regulations while aligning procurement strategy with the agency’s imperative to modernize test and evaluation infrastructure. Shortle maintains consistent contracting relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including TOM HAMMONDS ENTERPRISES, LLC, STREET LEGAL INDUSTRIES, INC, SPEEGLE CONSTRUCTION, INC, DETECT INC, and THE CONTROLS COMPANY, LLC. These partners provide niche capabilities in electronic warfare instrumentation, ruggedized test hardware, signal processing systems, and facility integration for electromagnetic test ranges. The working relationships reflect a preference for vendors with deep technical expertise in defense-grade instrumentation rather than broad commercial suppliers, indicating a focus on mission-specific performance and reliability. While the majority of acquisitions (73.3%) are conducted without set-asides, Shortle demonstrates a meaningful commitment to small business participation, with 26.7% of awards directed under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5). This reflects a strategic effort to leverage innovative small firms capable of delivering specialized sensing and control technologies, though no specific socioeconomic categories like 8(a) or HUBZone dominate the pattern. The procurement focus is heavily concentrated in NAICS 339112 (Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing) and 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), indicating a strong alignment with high-accuracy sensor and data acquisition systems. Additional activity in 334510 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Manufacturing) and 423450 (Medical Equipment Wholesalers) suggests cross-domain application of precision instrumentation standards to aerospace test environments, revealing expertise in adapting medical-grade measurement technologies for defense use.