Kathy A. Kessler

Kathy A. Kessler serves as a Contract Specialist at the W4GG Hq US Army Tacom, where she plays a critical role in executing the lifecycle acquisition and sustainment of ground combat and support vehicle systems. She manages complex procurement actions for advanced military platforms, including armored vehicles, tactical wheeled systems, and integrated ordnance components, ensuring compliance with Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) and Army-specific acquisition policies. Her work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain technological superiority and operational readiness through timely, compliant, and cost-effective contracting solutions. Kessler maintains established working relationships with key industrial partners including Schutt Industries of Clintonville, Wis., Inc., ONTIC ENGINEERING & MANUFACTURING, INC., A&M AEROSTRUCTURES, INC., and BOWHEAD AVIONICS MANUFACTURING, LLC. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized manufacturing capabilities in vehicle armor, avionics integration, and heavy-duty mechanical systems. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based requirements, and technical oversight to ensure deliverables meet stringent military standards for durability, survivability, and interoperability. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 75% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, while maintaining a consistent 25% commitment to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This balanced approach supports both large-scale industrial capacity and the inclusion of qualified small businesses without compromising mission-critical timelines or technical requirements. Kessler’s portfolio is concentrated in four primary NAICS categories: 336112 (Motor Vehicle Body and Trailer Manufacturing), 336120 (Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing), 339999 (All Other Miscellaneous Manufacturing), and 334511 (Search, Detection, Navigation, Guidance, Aeronautical, and Nautical System and Instrument Manufacturing). She specializes in procuring integrated vehicle systems, survivability enhancements, electronic warfare components, and mission-critical manufacturing services that support the modernization and sustainment of the Army’s tactical fleet.