Ashley I. Kennemer

Ashley I. Kennemer serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she plays a critical role in executing complex acquisition strategies for advanced missile defense systems. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts—from requirements validation and solicitation to award and administration—she supports the agency’s mission to develop, test, and field integrated, layered defense architectures. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development, engineering services, and guided missile manufacturing contracts, ensuring alignment with national security objectives and technical specifications for midcourse and terminal-phase interception systems. Kennemer maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors, including Lockheed Martin Corp. and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, as well as Jacobs Technology Inc. These partnerships are characterized by long-term, high-technical-integrity collaborations focused on systems integration, sensor modernization, and guided weapon development. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based acquisition methods, technical risk mitigation, and rigorous compliance with defense acquisition regulations, fostering robust vendor accountability and innovation. Her contracting activity reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under no set-aside provisions. This indicates a strategic focus on leveraging the full industrial base to meet mission-critical performance thresholds, rather than socioeconomic set-asides. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, her acquisitions remain accessible to all qualified vendors capable of delivering cutting-edge missile defense capabilities. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (541715), Engineering Services (541330), and Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414). She routinely procures advanced technologies such as radar tracking systems, kinetic interceptors, battle management software, and command-and-control platforms, demonstrating deep expertise in hypersonics, missile guidance, and defense system integration.