As founder, president, and CEO of Wildflower International, Ltd, Kimberly deCastro provides the federal government with IT products and services. Based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kimberly deCastro’s company is one of many private contractors contributing to the state’s thriving industry. In the last few years, New Mexico’s defense industry has experienced an uptick in government contracts.

1. New Mexico’s Thriving
Defense Industry
Kimberly deCastro

2. Introduction
• As founder, president, and CEO of Wildflower International, Ltd, Kimberly
deCastro provides the federal government with IT products and services. Based
in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Kimberly deCastro’s company is one of many private
contractors contributing to the state’s thriving industry. In the last few years,
New Mexico’s defense industry has experienced an uptick in government
contracts.
The state’s expertise in the area of defense has translated into significant awards
in the last few years. Two years ago, the Department of Defense launched a $17
million laser project that would culminate in creating directed energy laser
weapons. The project will be through the combined efforts of the state's Boeing
facilities and the Air Force’s range at Kirtland Air Force Base. In 2019, the U.S. Air
Force began construction of a 5,000-square-foot laboratory that will house both
military contractors and civilians who will potentially work on space defense.
In terms of cyber electronic warfare, Socorro-based New Mexico Tech was
awarded a $93 million contract to complete work with the Air Force Research
Laboratory. The two organizations will develop and implement research that will
culminate in a program that assists with cyber and electronic warfare training.
Most of the field work will be done in Playas (in Hidalgo County) in one of New
Mexico Tech’s facilities.