Alfred Benton

Alfred Benton supports the Office of Acquisition Grants–National within the U.S. Geological Survey by managing critical procurement activities that enable scientific infrastructure and technical services essential to geological, hydrological, and ecological research. He oversees the acquisition of advanced analytical instrumentation, field-deployable sensor systems, and specialized technical services that underpin the agency’s mission of environmental data collection and analysis. His portfolio emphasizes high-precision equipment and mission-critical support contracts, ensuring the USGS maintains operational readiness for complex field and laboratory research initiatives. Benton maintains a primary working relationship with KBR WYLE SERVICES, LLC, a trusted partner for integrated technical and logistics support, while also engaging a broad base of 15 smaller vendors who provide niche capabilities in instrumentation, calibration, and field services. His contracting approach reflects a balanced reliance on established large-capacity contractors for complex systems integration alongside agile small businesses for specialized, low-volume technical needs, fostering a collaborative and responsive vendor ecosystem. He demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, allocating 50% of his acquisition portfolio to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, with the remaining 50% open to unrestricted competition. This balanced strategy ensures robust small business participation without compromising access to specialized technical expertise, aligning with federal mandates to promote equitable opportunity in federal contracting. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 334516 for analytical laboratory instrumentation manufacturing, with significant activity in 236210 and 237110 for construction of research facilities and water monitoring infrastructure. He also frequently procures services under 541380 for certified testing laboratories and 238990 for specialty trade contractors supporting field installations. His expertise lies at the intersection of scientific instrumentation, environmental engineering, and laboratory compliance, ensuring acquisitions meet rigorous technical and regulatory standards for federal research operations.