Karla M Rothenberg

Karla M. Rothenberg serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracting and Procurement office of the Transportation Security Administration under the Department of Homeland Security. She plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions that directly support national transportation security, focusing on the procurement of advanced detection systems, cybersecurity solutions, and specialized operational technologies. Her portfolio centers on high-integrity, mission-critical equipment including explosive detection systems, irradiation apparatus, and GPS-enabled rail monitoring platforms. Rothenberg ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement actions with the TSA’s strategic imperative to modernize aviation and transit security infrastructure through innovative, reliable, and technologically advanced solutions. Rothenberg collaborates with a diverse range of vendors specializing in electronic computer manufacturing and defense-grade hardware development. While no single contractor dominates her award portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing DoD and TSA-specific certifications, particularly those with expertise in secure computing architectures and radiation detection technologies. Her working relationships are characterized by rigorous technical evaluation, performance-based contracting, and close coordination with engineering and operational stakeholders to ensure delivered solutions meet stringent security and interoperability standards. Rothenberg’s contracting activity reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB. This reflects the specialized nature of the technologies procured, which often require advanced engineering capabilities beyond the current capacity of small business concerns in this niche domain. While socioeconomic set-asides are not utilized, she maintains full compliance with all small business outreach requirements and ensures transparency in sourcing decisions. Her primary procurement focus is on NAICS 334111—Electronic Computer Manufacturing—encompassing the acquisition of custom-built detection hardware, embedded systems, and secure computing platforms. Rothenberg’s technical expertise lies in evaluating sensor integration, real-time data processing systems, and hardened electronics designed for high-threat environments, making her a key operator in securing the nation’s transportation networks through cutting-edge technological procurement.