Kirby Beard

LTC Kirby Beard serves as a key procurement lead within the W6RN USA Geospatial Center, supporting the Department of the Army’s mission to deliver precision geospatial intelligence for land, air, and cyber operations. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions of geospatial technologies, he oversees contracts for advanced mapping systems, three-dimensional terrain modeling tools, and real-time data integration platforms critical to battlefield situational awareness. His role centers on translating operational requirements into technically sound solicitation strategies that align with DoD standards for interoperability, security, and scalability in defense geospatial systems. While specific contractor names are not currently available, LTC Beard engages with a diverse ecosystem of vendors specializing in geospatial software, sensor systems, and data analytics services. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for performance-based contracting and technical evaluation criteria that prioritize innovation, data fidelity, and system integration capabilities. He routinely collaborates with both large defense contractors and niche technology firms capable of delivering classified and unclassified geospatial solutions under strict compliance frameworks. LTC Beard demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with over 36% of his acquisitions directed toward small business set-asides, including 8(a), HUBZone, and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) programs. His consistent use of these authorities reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a resilient supplier base with specialized expertise in geospatial innovation and agile development. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 541370 (Surveying and Mapping Services), with significant activity in custom programming and geospatial data processing. He routinely sources high-resolution digital elevation models, georeferenced imagery systems, and embedded sensor interfaces, demonstrating deep technical fluency in defense geospatial architecture and mission-critical mapping technologies.