Karen J. Hillstead

Karen J. Hillstead serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring critical technologies and services that support the nation’s layered ballistic missile defense architecture. She manages complex, high-stakes procurements spanning research and development, systems integration, and technical consulting to advance midcourse and terminal-phase interception capabilities. Her portfolio includes contracts for sensor modernization, guided weapon system development, and mission-critical engineering services, ensuring alignment with MDA’s strategic objectives to protect U.S. and allied forces from evolving missile threats. Hillstead maintains longstanding relationships with prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corp and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, which provide advanced missile defense hardware and integrated system solutions. She also regularly collaborates with Jacobs Technology Inc. for technical support and systems engineering services. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and lifecycle support, fostering collaborative partnerships with industry leaders to deliver mission-critical capabilities under stringent technical and schedule constraints. Her procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with nearly 43% of her awards designated for small business participation, including a significant portion allocated to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs) and Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her acquisitions remain open to full and open competition, she consistently prioritizes small business inclusion to foster innovation and enhance industrial base resilience. Hillstead’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting) and 541330 (Engineering Services), alongside significant activity in 541712 (R&D in Physical and Engineering Sciences) and 336414 (Guided Missile Manufacturing). She specializes in acquiring technical consulting, systems engineering, and advanced defense manufacturing services that directly support missile defense architecture development, demonstrating deep expertise in aerospace defense procurement and mission-critical R&D contracting.