Karen A. Fredrickson

Karen A. Fredrickson serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions in the telecommunications and electronic components sectors. She plays a critical role in executing the agency’s procurement mission by ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while delivering mission-critical technology solutions. Her portfolio primarily encompasses the procurement of radio and television broadcasting equipment, wireless communications systems, and specialized electronic components, often requiring technical evaluation and lifecycle management. Fredrickson oversees full and open competitions as well as small business set-asides, balancing operational needs with socioeconomic objectives. While specific contractor names are not available, her contracting patterns indicate consistent engagement with manufacturers and system integrators capable of delivering certified commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom electronic hardware. She maintains relationships with vendors possessing the technical expertise to meet stringent performance, interoperability, and security requirements, often requiring ITAR or EAR compliance. Her approach emphasizes competitive fairness, thorough market research, and vendor performance monitoring to ensure contract fulfillment aligns with mission objectives. Fredrickson demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 40% of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She prioritizes opportunities for small businesses to compete on an equal footing, consistently utilizing set-aside mechanisms to foster economic inclusion and innovation. Her procurement strategy reflects a deliberate effort to expand the supplier base beyond large primes, encouraging subcontracting and teaming arrangements that empower small businesses in the defense and communications supply chain. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334220 (radio and television broadcasting equipment manufacturing) and 334419 (other electronic component manufacturing), with additional activity in NAICS 511210 (software publishers). She specializes in acquiring RF systems, signal processing hardware, embedded components, and related software-enabled infrastructure, demonstrating deep familiarity with defense, public safety, and broadcast technology domains. Her expertise ensures acquisitions meet technical specifications while adhering to statutory and regulatory compliance frameworks.