Kari Pelton

Kari Pelton serves as a key procurement lead within the W6QK Acc-apg Cont Ct Software Sector under the Department of the Army, driving the acquisition of mission-critical software systems and information technology infrastructure to support Army modernization and battlefield communications. Responsible for managing complex contracts in cybersecurity-enabled platforms, command and control systems, and network resilience tools, Pelton ensures alignment with DoD standards for secure, scalable, and interoperable IT solutions. Her acquisitions directly enable intelligence processing, tactical data sharing, and secure wireless communications across distributed operational environments, making her a pivotal contributor to the Army’s digital transformation initiatives. Pelton maintains strategic relationships with a select group of established contractors, including British Telecommunications Public Limited Company, Liberty Communications, Inc., and Southwestern Industrial Contractors & Riggers, Inc., reflecting a preference for vendors with proven expertise in enterprise-grade communications, software integration, and mission-critical systems support. Her contracting patterns emphasize long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering end-to-end solutions—ranging from custom software development to infrastructure deployment—often requiring rigorous compliance with NIST, FISMA, and DoD IL5 security requirements. While the majority of her acquisitions are unrestricted (73.9%), Pelton consistently allocates a significant portion (26.1%) to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding small business participation in high-technology defense contracts without relying on specialized socioeconomic programs like 8(a) or HUBZone. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), reflecting deep specialization in tailored software development, systems integration, and mission-specific IT services. She also procures supporting capabilities in commercial equipment leasing and industrial maintenance services, underscoring a holistic approach to sustaining operational readiness through integrated technology ecosystems.