Amy S. Kerster

Amy S. Kerster serves as a Contract Specialist at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA1), where she plays a critical role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to counter weapons of mass destruction and emerging national security threats. She manages a diverse portfolio of technical and professional services contracts, focusing on advanced scientific research, threat detection systems, and operational support capabilities. Her work directly supports HDTRA1’s mandate to develop and deploy innovative solutions in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive defense domains. Kerster specializes in complex, high-impact procurements requiring stringent compliance with DoD acquisition regulations and technical evaluation protocols. Kerster maintains strong, sustained relationships with leading technical and research contractors, including TECHTRANS INTERNATIONAL INC, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, AERIS LLC, APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC., and AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. These partnerships reflect her focus on acquiring cutting-edge scientific services, analytical tools, and cloud-based infrastructure to enhance threat intelligence and response systems. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term collaboration with vendors possessing deep domain expertise in defense science and secure computing environments, ensuring alignment with HDTRA1’s mission-driven objectives. Kerster’s procurement portfolio is entirely composed of full and open competitions, with no set-asides applied to her acquisitions. This reflects a strategic alignment with HDTRA1’s need for specialized technical capabilities that are typically available only through large, highly qualified contractors with advanced security clearances and national security infrastructure. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, her awards remain fully compliant with all socioeconomic contracting regulations. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 611420 (Computer Training), and 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training), indicating a strong emphasis on cyber-enabled threat analysis, workforce development, and technical workforce upskilling. She consistently procures services related to advanced simulation, forensic analysis, secure cloud platforms, and specialized training systems essential to sustaining HDTRA1’s technical workforce and operational readiness.