Kathleen M. Ward

Kathleen M. Ward serves as a Contracting Officer with the W4MM USA Joint Munitions Command, a critical component of the Department of Defense responsible for the lifecycle management of conventional ammunition and explosives. In this role, she oversees the acquisition of goods and services essential to sustaining combat-ready munitions supplies for land, air, and naval forces. Her responsibilities include managing full lifecycle procurements—from requirements validation and solicitation to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DoD-specific acquisition policies. She handles a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning engineering, construction, and management services that directly support modernization, supply chain resilience, and safe demilitarization operations. While specific contractor names are not available, Kathleen routinely engages with a broad spectrum of vendors, including prime contractors and subcontractors delivering technical, logistical, and infrastructure support to military munitions systems. Her procurement patterns reflect a balanced approach between large-capability firms and small business partners, with a strong emphasis on competitive, transparent award processes that align with DoD’s mission-critical needs. Kathleen demonstrates a pronounced commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly 52% of her awards directed toward small business set-asides, including 46.7% under Total Small Business Set-Aside authority and 5.0% through 8(a) competed contracts. Her consistent use of these mechanisms underscores a strategic focus on fostering vendor diversity and enhancing industrial base capacity among disadvantaged and small businesses. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) and 541611 (Management Consulting), reflecting her specialization in technical advisory, systems integration, and operational support services. She also frequently procures construction services under NAICS 236220 and 237110, indicating active involvement in facility modernization and infrastructure projects critical to munitions storage and handling. Her expertise spans both technical and administrative domains, ensuring acquisition outcomes align with DoD’s mission to maintain a ready, responsive, and resilient munitions enterprise.