Karen D. Wagner

Karen D. Wagner serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions across defense and technology domains. She ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations, including FAR and socioeconomically targeted contracting policies, while delivering mission-critical capabilities to support national security and infrastructure needs. Her portfolio primarily involves competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, with a focus on technical and engineering services requiring stringent performance and compliance standards. Wagner plays a pivotal role in aligning acquisition strategies with agency objectives, ensuring timely delivery of high-priority systems and services through transparent, fair, and efficient contracting practices. While specific contractor names are not available, Wagner consistently engages with a diverse range of vendors, including prime contractors specializing in aerospace systems, defense electronics, and IT services, as well as small business concerns certified under multiple socioeconomic programs. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach to vendor partnerships, favoring both established industry players and emerging small businesses. She fosters collaborative relationships with contractors through clear solicitation language, structured evaluation criteria, and post-award performance oversight, promoting accountability and innovation across the supply base. Wagner demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 30% of her awards directed toward set-aside programs. Her preferences include Total Small Business Set-Asides, Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, and 8(a) competed contracts, reflecting a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity. Women-Owned Small Business awards also feature in her portfolio, underscoring her dedication to inclusive contracting. Her approach aligns with federal mandates to increase small business contracting while maintaining rigorous performance and compliance standards. Her primary procurement focus lies in aerospace and defense technologies, particularly Aircraft Manufacturing (NAICS 336411) and Aeronautical System and Instrument Manufacturing (NAICS 334511). She also regularly procures custom computer programming services, remediation services, and commercial building construction, indicating expertise in both high-tech systems and mission-support infrastructure. Wagner’s technical domain knowledge spans avionics, sensor systems, environmental remediation, and software development, enabling her to effectively evaluate complex technical proposals and manage high-stakes acquisitions.