Lila R Schmideke

Lila Schmideke serves as a key procurement lead within the FA7000 10 Cons Lgc unit of the Department of the Air Force, supporting the U.S. Air Force Academy’s mission to sustain advanced technical readiness and aerospace research capabilities. She manages the acquisition of precision instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and specialized technical systems critical to cadet training, scientific experimentation, and facility modernization. Her work ensures that mission-critical analytical tools and operational infrastructure remain current and compliant with federal standards for defense-grade research environments. Schmideke maintains consistent relationships with a select group of niche vendors, including SAWASAWA LLC, BERNARD CAP, LLC, TEAL DRONES INC, BRANSCOME OPERATING, LLC, and LAVISION, INC. These contractors specialize in advanced sensing technologies, unmanned aerial systems, calibration equipment, and high-accuracy measurement devices. Her contracting approach favors established small firms with proven technical expertise in aerospace and laboratory applications, reflecting a preference for vendors capable of delivering custom-engineered solutions under strict performance and compliance requirements. A strong advocate for socioeconomic diversity in contracting, Schmideke directs 83.3% of her acquisitions toward small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, prioritizing small, disadvantaged, and service-disabled veteran-owned enterprises. Her pattern of award distribution demonstrates a deliberate strategy to expand the defense industrial base by empowering specialized small businesses with domain-specific capabilities in technical services and precision manufacturing. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS categories including 562991 (Septic Tank and Related Services), 541350 (Building Inspection Services), 333120 (Construction Machinery Manufacturing), 561790 (Other Services to Buildings and Dwellings), and 238330 (Flooring Contractors). While seemingly disparate, these reflect the broad infrastructure and facility support needs of a high-traffic technical campus, where environmental compliance, structural integrity, and operational safety are paramount to sustaining mission-critical research and training environments.