Karen S. Young

Karen S. Young serves as a Contract Specialist within the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), where she plays a critical role in executing complex acquisition strategies to support the development and fielding of integrated missile defense systems. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of contracts—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—she ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing MDA’s mission to protect U.S. and allied forces from ballistic missile threats. Her portfolio primarily encompasses high-technology systems including radar sensors, kinetic interceptors, battle management command and control platforms, and missile defense integration services, often requiring specialized technical oversight and risk-managed contracting approaches. Young maintains consistent procurement relationships with leading defense prime contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with these firms to deliver advanced capabilities across midcourse and terminal-phase interception architectures. She also collaborates regularly with Jacobs Technology Inc., leveraging their engineering and systems integration expertise to support test infrastructure and mission-critical sustainment efforts. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for long-term, performance-based partnerships with industry leaders capable of meeting stringent technical and security requirements inherent to national missile defense programs. A defining feature of Young’s contracting approach is her exclusive use of Total Small Business Set-Aside authorities under FAR 19.5, demonstrating an unwavering commitment to expanding small business participation in high-stakes defense acquisitions. All her awards are structured to ensure equitable access for small businesses, fostering innovation and resilience within the defense industrial base. Her focus on socioeconomic contracting aligns with DoD priorities to strengthen the capability of small firms to contribute to mission-critical technologies. While specific NAICS codes are not available, her acquisitions consistently target advanced aerospace, defense electronics, guidance and control systems, and systems engineering and technical assistance (SETA) services. Her domain expertise lies in procuring cutting-edge missile defense technologies requiring rigorous testing, interoperability validation, and rapid prototyping cycles within a classified and highly regulated environment.