Kathryn M. Bernstein

Kathryn M. Bernstein serves as a Contracting Officer for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), part of the Department of Defense, where she plays a pivotal role in securing critical capabilities for the nation’s layered ballistic missile defense architecture. She manages the acquisition lifecycle for complex, high-priority systems including guided missile interceptors, space-based tracking sensors, and integrated command and control platforms. Her portfolio emphasizes engineering-driven procurements requiring rigorous technical validation, systems integration, and developmental testing, aligning directly with MDA’s mission to sustain and modernize national missile defense infrastructure. Bernstein’s work ensures timely delivery of mission-critical technologies through full and open competition, often involving multi-year, performance-based contracts with stringent security and compliance requirements. Bernstein engages with a select group of prime contractors specializing in aerospace defense systems, including firms with deep expertise in guided missile manufacturing and advanced radar/sensor development. She cultivates long-term partnerships with industry leaders capable of delivering high-assurance, classified-capable solutions under strict ITAR and DFARS compliance. Her contracting approach prioritizes technical excellence, risk mitigation, and schedule reliability, frequently utilizing cost-reimbursement and incentive-type contract structures to align contractor performance with mission outcomes. Bernstein’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides. While she does not routinely utilize socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, her focus remains on mission necessity and technical capability, ensuring the highest standards of performance for national security systems. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336414 (Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing) and 541712 (Research and Development in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), reflecting her specialization in advanced propulsion systems, hypersonic defense technologies, and sensor modernization. She routinely procures prototype systems, engineering services, and test infrastructure essential to the development and fielding of next-generation missile defense architectures.