Kristen A. Hayden

Kristen A. Hayden serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA7000 10 Cons Lgc organization of the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in acquiring precision instrumentation, laboratory equipment, and specialized technical systems critical to aerospace research and cadet training at the U.S. Air Force Academy. Her procurement activities directly support the agency’s mission to maintain cutting-edge analytical capabilities and modernize training infrastructure. She manages complex acquisitions under FAR Part 15, primarily for scientific and technical services requiring high-accuracy measurement devices, data acquisition systems, and advanced laboratory instrumentation, ensuring compliance with federal procurement standards and operational readiness requirements. Hayden maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including SAWASAWA LLC, BERNARD CAP, LLC, TEAL DRONES INC, BRANSCOME OPERATING, LLC, and LAVISION, INC.—all of whom provide niche technical solutions in aerospace diagnostics, unmanned systems, and high-resolution imaging technologies. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in mission-critical instrumentation, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in technical reliability and performance-based delivery. She evaluates proposals rigorously, emphasizing technical capability, past performance, and compliance with defense-specific standards. While the majority of her acquisitions are unrestricted, approximately 35.7% are set aside for total small business participation under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding small business engagement in advanced technical procurement. She actively seeks qualified small businesses capable of delivering specialized scientific equipment and technical services, aligning socioeconomic goals with mission-critical needs without compromising technical rigor. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 511210 (Software Publishers), reflecting a strong emphasis on custom software, data analysis platforms, and embedded systems supporting laboratory and flight training operations. She also frequently procures other computer-related services under NAICS 541519, underscoring her expertise in integrating software solutions with hardware systems to enhance operational analytics and cadet training outcomes.