Karen Kinzel

Karen Kinzel serves as a Contracting Officer within the Telecommunications Division (HC1013) of the Defense Information Systems Agency, where she leads the acquisition of critical communications infrastructure and IT services essential to the Department of Defense’s global network operations. She manages a diverse portfolio of contract actions focused on securing, modernizing, and expanding mission-critical telecom systems, including secure virtual private networks, enterprise-grade data transport, and interoperable communications platforms. Her work directly supports DISA’s mandate to ensure resilient, high-capacity connectivity across military and federal operations, with an emphasis on replacing legacy systems through agile, performance-based contracting approaches. Kinzel maintains established relationships with key contractors including AT&T Technical Services Company, Inc., Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, Liberty Communications, Inc., AOC Connect LLC, and Norfolk Fiber, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in secure telecommunications, fiber-optic network deployment, and custom network engineering services. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a reliance on experienced, large-capacity providers with deep domain knowledge in DoD-compliant infrastructure, often leveraging indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) and basic ordering agreements to ensure rapid response to operational needs. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 91.7% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, reflecting a mission-driven focus on technical capability over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is limited, she consistently awards 8(a) competed contracts when technical requirements align with certified small business capabilities, maintaining compliance with federal socioeconomic goals without compromising mission readiness. Kinzel’s primary acquisition focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), reflecting her specialization in integrated network solutions, secure software-defined networking, and mission-specific system integration. She routinely procures services involving network architecture design, cybersecurity-enabled telecom platforms, and tailored software applications that support DoD-wide interoperability and command and control requirements.