Kyla McKinstry

Kyla McKinstry serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex information technology acquisitions, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and aligning contracts with mission-critical operational needs. She plays a pivotal role in executing strategic sourcing initiatives, from market research and requirement development to solicitation, evaluation, and contract award. Her work supports the agency’s technology modernization goals through the procurement of high-value IT services, with a focus on delivering secure, scalable, and mission-aligned solutions. She routinely handles competitive and non-competitive acquisitions under FAR Part 12 and Part 15, leveraging best practices in performance-based contracting and outcome-driven requirements. McKinstry collaborates with a broad spectrum of IT service providers, including systems integrators, software developers, and consulting firms specializing in custom programming and systems design. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she maintains a consistent engagement model that emphasizes vendor performance, technical capability, and compliance with cybersecurity standards such as NIST SP 800-171. Her contracting approach prioritizes transparency, fair competition, and risk mitigation, fostering long-term vendor relationships grounded in accountability and deliverable-based outcomes. McKinstry’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of her awards issued under non-set-aside authorities. She does not currently utilize 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic set-asides, instead focusing on merit-based selection through full and open competition. This approach underscores a commitment to selecting the most qualified vendors regardless of business size or certification status, while still adhering to all applicable small business goals and reporting requirements. Her primary technical focus lies in NAICS 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), where she procures end-to-end IT solutions including system architecture, application development, integration services, and cloud-enabled platforms. She specializes in acquiring software development lifecycles, cybersecurity-enhanced systems, and enterprise-level digital transformation initiatives, demonstrating deep familiarity with agile methodologies and modern IT delivery frameworks.