Lt Kate Wade

Laura Wade serves as the primary contracting lead for FA5702 379 Econs within the Department of the Air Force, overseeing the acquisition of critical infrastructure and support services essential to expeditionary air base operations. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on facility sustainment, equipment maintenance, and logistical enablers that ensure operational readiness at overseas and forward-deployed locations. Her work directly supports mission-critical functions including airfield integrity, utility systems, and facility modernization, requiring precise alignment with Air Force installation readiness standards and Defense Logistics Agency protocols. She handles both full and open competitions and set-aside procurements, balancing technical complexity with statutory compliance across multiple acquisition categories. While no specific contractor relationships are currently identifiable in the dataset, Laura Wade’s procurement activities consistently engage a broad spectrum of vendors, including specialized manufacturers, construction firms, and service providers with expertise in military-grade infrastructure and equipment. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for vendors capable of delivering rapid turnaround, field-deployable solutions, and compliance with military specifications. She fosters partnerships with firms that demonstrate proven experience in austere environments and can meet stringent DoD quality assurance and supply chain security requirements. Laura Wade 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. While no other socioeconomic set-asides are currently dominant, her pattern reflects deliberate efforts to expand opportunities for small businesses capable of supporting niche technical domains. Her approach aligns with Air Force mandates to increase vendor diversity and strengthen the defense industrial base through inclusive contracting practices. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS codes including 337215 (showcase and locker manufacturing), 333111 (farm machinery), 561720 (janitorial services), 237130 (power and communication line construction), and 334290 (communications equipment). These reflect a unique blend of facility maintenance, utility infrastructure, and mission-support equipment needs, indicating deep expertise in integrating civilian-grade systems with military operational requirements.