Kathleen W Sutherland

Kathleen W. Sutherland serves as Director of Acquisition and Procurement for the Headquarters Defense Media Activity (HQ DMA), overseeing the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for mission-critical multimedia and communications capabilities. In this role, she ensures the agency’s acquisition strategy aligns with its mandate to produce, distribute, and broadcast integrated media content to U.S. military personnel and global audiences. Her portfolio encompasses complex contracts for digital content delivery systems, broadcast infrastructure modernization, and strategic communications services, requiring deep technical understanding of multimedia platforms and secure information dissemination networks. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Sutherland cultivates partnerships with a diverse ecosystem of professional services firms, broadcast technology manufacturers, and creative content providers. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, leveraging long-term vendor relationships to ensure continuity in high-stakes media operations. She prioritizes agile, scalable solutions capable of supporting dynamic content requirements across terrestrial, satellite, and digital platforms, often engaging vendors with proven experience in defense and public affairs communications. Sutherland demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 66.7% of her acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster innovation and capacity building among small businesses, particularly those certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business programs. Her consistent use of set-asides underscores HQ DMA’s dedication to equitable access and workforce development within the defense media sector. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), reflecting demand for digital media systems, cybersecurity-enabled content platforms, and strategic communications consulting. She also regularly procures from NAICS 334220 (broadcast equipment manufacturing) and 512230 (music publishing), indicating active investment in audiovisual production, licensing, and broadcast hardware. Sutherland’s expertise bridges technical procurement with mission-driven media operations, ensuring acquisitions directly enhance morale, information integrity, and strategic messaging across global military audiences.