Kari D. Hughes

Kari D. Hughes serves as a Contract Specialist within the Space Systems Command’s FA4610 30 Cons Pk facility, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to sustain critical space launch and test infrastructure at Vandenberg Space Force Base. She manages a diverse portfolio of procurement actions focused on facility maintenance, utilities resilience, security systems, and technical support services essential to national security space operations. Her role ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contracting activities with strategic modernization goals for aging infrastructure, emphasizing timely delivery and operational readiness. Hughes maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, DIVERSE PEST MANAGEMENT, TECH O. R., LLC, KING FREIGHT LLC, and DARBONNIER TACTICAL SUPPLY LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized, mission-critical services such as site development, pest control, technical logistics, freight transport, and tactical supply chain support. Her procurement approach prioritizes reliability, regulatory compliance, and performance-based outcomes, fostering long-term vendor collaboration grounded in clear deliverables and quality assurance standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Hughes consistently applies Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with nearly 70% of her awards designated for small businesses. She also supports Women-Owned Small Businesses, though to a lesser extent, reflecting a deliberate effort to broaden vendor diversity while maintaining operational effectiveness. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a structured commitment to socioeconomic goals, ensuring equitable access to federal opportunities without compromising mission-critical requirements. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 337214 (Office Furniture Manufacturing), 561210 (Facilities Support Services), 561730 (Landscaping Services), and 561612–561621 (Security Services), underscoring expertise in physical infrastructure sustainment and site-enabling services. Hughes specializes in acquiring integrated facility management solutions, environmental maintenance, and security systems that directly support the operational integrity of high-security space launch environments.