Kari L. Ponce

Kari L. Ponce 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. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract actions—from requirements validation and market research to solicitation, award, and administration—for specialized facility, medical, and communications infrastructure services. Ponce focuses on complex, high-stakes procurements that ensure operational continuity, technical compliance, and environmental safety across Air Force bases, with particular emphasis on modernizing airfield systems and mission-support facilities. She maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including PERRY MANAGEMENT CORP OF SOUTH DAKOTA, L.L.C, WILLIAM T BROOKS & ASSOCIATES INC, CITADEL FEDERAL SOLUTIONS LLC, NEXLEGACY LLC, and AJ COMMERCIAL SERVICES, INC., all of which demonstrate proven capability in delivering specialized maintenance and communications solutions. Her procurement approach prioritizes performance-based contracting and value-driven vendor partnerships, fostering long-term collaboration with firms that meet stringent technical and compliance standards. Ponce demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic objectives, with approximately half of her acquisitions set aside for Women-Owned Small Businesses, reflecting a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs. The remaining half are competitively awarded without set-asides, ensuring broad market participation while maintaining fiscal accountability and mission alignment. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors) and NAICS 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing), indicating deep expertise in facility systems integration and secure, mission-critical communications infrastructure. She routinely manages contracts for HVAC modernization, RF shielding, antenna systems, and integrated network hardware, ensuring installations remain technologically resilient and operationally compliant with Air Force standards.