Karen A Matsushima

Karen A. Matsushima serves as a Contracting Officer for the Commander (M00264) under the Department of the Navy, where she plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical capabilities that enhance naval warfighting readiness. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions focused on modernizing command and control architectures, tactical computing environments, and armored vehicle systems, ensuring alignment with operational requirements for cyber-enabled decision support and real-time battlefield analytics. Her procurements span systems engineering, technical integration, and sustainment services essential to maintaining the Navy’s technological edge in contested environments. Matsushima maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized contractors, including GOLDBELT HAWK L.L.C., ALEX-ALTERNATIVE EXPERTS, LLC, TNDA TECHNOLOGIES INC., BC MARKET SOLUTIONS LLC, and BIOSPACE, INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for firms with proven expertise in defense systems integration, mission-critical software development, and armored vehicle component manufacturing. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical rigor, and long-term sustainment support, fostering collaborative relationships with vendors capable of delivering complex, high-assurance solutions under stringent military standards. Her procurement patterns demonstrate a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 83.3% of awards issued without set-asides, reflecting the technical complexity and specialized nature of the capabilities required. However, she consistently allocates 16.7% of awards to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, underscoring her commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals while maintaining mission fidelity. Matsushima’s primary industry focus lies in NAICS 335312 (Motor and Generator Manufacturing) and 336992 (Military Armored Vehicle, Tank, and Tank Component Manufacturing), with significant activity in 336212 (Truck Trailer Manufacturing) and 541611 (Management Consulting Services). She procures advanced power systems, protected mobility platforms, and technical advisory services supporting the integration of next-generation tactical systems, demonstrating deep expertise in defense hardware engineering and operational logistics.