Kathleen R. Olson

Kathleen R. Olson serves as a Contracting Officer for 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, production, and distribution of mission-critical munitions systems to ensure operational readiness across land, air, and naval forces. Her portfolio includes complex procurements governed by FAR and DFARS regulations, with a focus on manufacturing, logistics, and infrastructure support essential to sustaining the Army’s warfighting capabilities. She plays a pivotal role in aligning contracting actions with national defense priorities, ensuring timely delivery of safe, reliable, and modernized ammunition systems. Olson maintains strategic relationships with a diverse set of contractors specializing in ammunition manufacturing, explosive handling, and facility infrastructure. While specific vendor names are not disclosed in public records, her contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with defense industrial base participants, including Tier 1 manufacturers and qualified subcontractors capable of meeting stringent DoD quality and safety standards. Her approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, risk mitigation, and supply chain resilience, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors who demonstrate technical proficiency and compliance with military specifications. A strong advocate for small business participation, Olson consistently structures approximately 40% of her acquisitions as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding economic opportunity within the defense industrial base. Her set-aside preferences prioritize broad-based small business engagement over niche socioeconomic categories, ensuring competitive access for firms with relevant manufacturing or construction capabilities. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 332993 (Ammunition Manufacturing) and 238160 (Roofing Contractors), indicating a dual emphasis on high-precision munitions production and facility sustainment. This unique combination underscores her expertise in managing both specialized ordnance systems and the physical infrastructure required to safely store, handle, and distribute explosive materials across military installations nationwide.