Karen Knowles

Karen Y. Knowles serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA3016 502 Cons Cl under the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that sustain Air Force installation readiness. She manages a diverse portfolio of service-based contracts focused on facility maintenance, industrial equipment repair, and operational support services essential to airfield and infrastructure sustainability. Her work ensures that technical, medical, and janitorial services meet stringent DoD standards, directly supporting the agency’s mandate to maintain safe, modern, and fully functional environments for personnel and mission systems. Knowles maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including WILLIAM T BROOKS & ASSOCIATES INC, CITADEL FEDERAL SOLUTIONS LLC, NEXLEGACY LLC, PERRY MANAGEMENT CORP OF SOUTH DAKOTA, L.L.C., and AJ COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in industrial maintenance, facility operations, and specialized support services. Her contracting approach emphasizes reliability, compliance, and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term vendor collaboration grounded in clear deliverables and quality assurance protocols. A strong advocate for small business participation, Knowles consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with approximately two-thirds of her awards designated for small businesses. This pattern underscores a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals, ensuring equitable access for qualified small firms while maintaining operational effectiveness. Her procurement strategy aligns with Department of the Air Force initiatives to broaden the industrial base and enhance resilience through diverse supplier engagement. Her primary NAICS focus centers on Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair and Maintenance (811310), with significant activity in Janitorial Services (561720), Industrial Launderers (812332), Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing (332999), and Other Building Equipment Contractors (238290). This technical specialization reflects deep expertise in procuring maintenance, cleaning, fabrication, and facility support services critical to Air Force base operations.