Karen K. Mata

Karen K. Mata serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4801 49 Cons Pk unit of the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurements that sustain aerospace readiness and installation infrastructure. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions spanning advanced communications systems, electronic warfare instrumentation, and maintenance support services essential to Air Force operational capabilities. Her work ensures timely delivery of technical solutions that enhance avionics reliability and base support functions, aligning closely with the agency’s modernization and sustainment priorities. Mata routinely handles complex contracting actions under FAR and DFARS guidelines, balancing technical requirements with regulatory compliance and schedule constraints. She maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors, including UNICO GOVERNMENT SOLUTIONS, LLC, FSR CONSULTING LLC, and CLASSIC PRODUCTS CORP, among others. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors capable of delivering specialized industrial services, technical maintenance, and instrumentation support tailored to military environments. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor collaboration, fostering reliable supply chains for mission-essential components and services. Mata demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 80% of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and 20% designated as HUBZone set-asides. This pattern underscores her dedication to expanding opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and geographically targeted businesses, ensuring broad participation in Air Force procurement while promoting economic resilience in underserved communities. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing), 813110 (Religious Organizations), and 812332 (Industrial Launderers), reflecting a unique blend of high-tech electronics acquisition and niche support services. While the latter two categories may appear atypical, they support critical base operations such as specialized cleaning of technical gear and logistical infrastructure, demonstrating her ability to manage unconventional yet operationally vital requirements within a defense context.