Kathleen Ahern-Karnes

Kathleen Ahern-Karnes serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA5000 673 Cons Lgc under the Department of the Air Force, where she manages the acquisition of mission-critical infrastructure and facility support services essential to Air Force operational readiness. Her portfolio encompasses construction, environmental remediation, medical and electrotherapeutic equipment, and facility services, with a strong emphasis on compliance with federal acquisition regulations and strategic sourcing initiatives. She plays a pivotal role in translating facility requirements into solicitation documents, evaluating technical proposals, and ensuring contract performance aligns with mission objectives across military installations. Kathleen maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including GIGABITER LLC, VINDICATOR TECHNOLOGIES, INC., YUKON EQUIPMENT, INC., and GLOBAL FINISHING SOLUTIONS LLC, partnering with firms capable of delivering specialized construction, HVAC systems, elevator installations, and custom software solutions. Her procurement approach emphasizes vendor reliability, technical capability, and past performance, fostering long-term collaborations with contractors who demonstrate expertise in complex federal environments and stringent compliance standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Kathleen consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, directing approximately 75% of her acquisitions to small businesses. This reflects a deliberate socioeconomic strategy to expand opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms while ensuring competitive, innovative solutions. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a sustained commitment to fostering a diverse supplier base aligned with Department of Defense socioeconomic goals. Her primary NAICS focus areas—333921 (Elevator and Moving Stairway Manufacturing), 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services)—reveal deep technical expertise in facility modernization, mechanical systems integration, and mission-critical IT infrastructure. She routinely procures specialized equipment and services requiring precise engineering standards and secure, customized software development to support Air Force facility sustainment and operational continuity.