Karen Carter

Karen W. Carter serves as a Contract Specialist at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard IMF (N4523A), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to sustain fleet readiness through comprehensive ship repair, maintenance, and industrial support. She manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for critical naval infrastructure and technical services, ensuring compliance with FAR regulations and defense acquisition policies. Her portfolio primarily encompasses shipbuilding and repair contracts, with a strong emphasis on industrial maintenance, marine propulsion systems, and specialized engineering support services essential to naval vessel lifecycle management. Carter maintains consistent working relationships with key industrial partners including LAKE UNION DRYDOCK CO, SUNBELT RENTALS, INC, FLUKE ELECTRONICS CORP, PAULEY RODINE INC, and MOTIVE POWER MARINE, LLC. These contractors provide specialized shipyard services, precision testing equipment, industrial rental solutions, and marine power systems, reflecting a pattern of engagement with experienced, technically capable vendors capable of meeting stringent naval standards. Her procurement approach prioritizes reliability, regulatory compliance, and mission-critical performance, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in quality and operational readiness. A strong advocate for small business participation, Carter consistently applies Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with approximately two-thirds of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate socioeconomic strategy to expand opportunities for qualified small firms while ensuring competitive, responsive sourcing. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a structured commitment to inclusive procurement, aligning with Department of the Navy goals to strengthen the defense industrial base through broad-based small business engagement. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), where she manages complex contracts for drydock operations, hull maintenance, and system overhauls. She also procures specialized support services under NAICS 541219 (Other Accounting Services), ensuring accurate financial oversight for industrial operations. Carter’s expertise centers on technical, mission-critical acquisitions that directly enable the Navy’s fleet sustainment objectives.