Kelly K. Clifton

Kelly K. Clifton serves as a key procurement lead within the W6QK Acc-ri under the Department of the Army, responsible for managing the acquisition of critical ordnance manufacturing capabilities and precision battlefield support systems. Focused on sustaining the Army’s industrial base, Clifton oversees the end-to-end contracting lifecycle for ammunition production equipment, fabricated metal components, and specialized machine tools essential to weapons system readiness. Their work directly supports the modernization of munitions infrastructure and ensures reliable supply chain resilience for high-priority defense programs. Clifton maintains long-standing partnerships with a core group of specialized contractors, including AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, FAXON MACHINING, LLC, PALANTIR USG INC, and Allied Metal Tech, LLC—each recognized for expertise in ordnance manufacturing, precision machining, and defense-grade software integration. These relationships are characterized by technical collaboration and performance-driven contract execution, with a preference for vendors possessing deep domain knowledge in military-grade fabrication and explosive component handling. The contracting approach emphasizes reliability, compliance with DoD technical specifications, and supply chain traceability. A balanced procurement strategy is evident in Clifton’s set-aside preferences, with equal portions of contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) and no set-aside mechanisms. This reflects a deliberate commitment to fostering small business innovation while maintaining access to established industrial capabilities. Small business participation is actively encouraged across the portfolio, aligning with Army-wide goals to expand the defense industrial base through socioeconomic contracting. The procurement portfolio is exclusively focused on NAICS 332993—Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing—demonstrating deep technical specialization in high-explosive ordnance production, shell casing fabrication, propellant handling systems, and automated munitions assembly equipment. Clifton’s expertise lies in acquiring complex, regulated manufacturing systems that meet stringent military standards, ensuring the Army’s ability to produce, maintain, and scale critical ammunition stocks for operational readiness.