Katharine DeConzo

Katharine DeConzo serves as a key secondary procurement lead within the FA2226 DAF PEO C3BM ASE CON, supporting the Department of the Air Force’s mission to modernize command, control, and battle management capabilities for next-generation air and space operations. While not the primary contracting officer, she plays a critical role in enabling the acquisition of secure, cloud-based digital infrastructure and mission-critical software systems that underpin the Advanced Battle Management System (ABMS). Her work supports end-to-end procurement cycles for systems engineering, software modernization, and integrated battlespace awareness solutions, ensuring alignment with DoD digital transformation priorities and agile acquisition frameworks. Her contractor relationships center on firms delivering advanced systems engineering and computer systems design services, particularly those capable of integrating secure cloud architectures, AI-enabled decision tools, and cross-domain data interoperability. She collaborates closely with both large defense primes and innovative small businesses, fostering partnerships that bridge cutting-edge commercial technologies with classified military requirements. Her engagement patterns reflect a preference for collaborative, iterative acquisition approaches aligned with DAU best practices and the DoD’s Software Acquisition Pathway. DeConzo consistently supports socioeconomic objectives, with approximately half of her supported acquisitions structured as 8(a) competed contracts, reflecting a strong institutional commitment to small business participation. The remaining half are open to all competitors, ensuring broad market access while maintaining competitive rigor. Her procurement patterns demonstrate a deliberate balance between fostering emerging vendors and sustaining mission-critical capabilities through established industry partners. Her primary technical focus lies in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 541330 (Engineering Services), driving procurements for cloud-native applications, secure DevSecOps pipelines, and integrated battle management software. She specializes in acquiring services that enable real-time data fusion, edge computing, and secure multi-domain command and control—core enablers of the Air Force’s JADC2 vision.