Amanda J. Pennel

Amanda J. Pennel serves as a Contracting Officer within the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Office of Justice Programs (Agency Code: 15F067), where she manages complex acquisitions aligned with the FBI’s mission to advance forensic science, digital intelligence, and secure communications. She oversees the procurement of specialized equipment, software services, and training solutions critical to evidence analysis, cyber-enabled investigations, and laboratory modernization. Her portfolio emphasizes technical acquisitions that support forensic instrumentation, secure data systems, and investigator training, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and agency-specific security requirements. Pennel maintains primary contracting relationships with Vista Outdoor Sales LLC and Southern Police Equipment Company, Inc., reflecting a focus on law enforcement-grade hardware and operational support systems. These partnerships are characterized by recurring, mission-critical procurements that require stringent compliance with federal specifications and supply chain integrity standards. While she engages with a limited number of core vendors, her approach ensures consistent performance, technical alignment, and timely delivery of mission-enabling capabilities. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 67.9% of awards issued without set-asides. However, she consistently supports small business participation, allocating 32.1% of awards to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals. While she does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her small business awards reflect broad-based engagement with qualified vendors capable of delivering specialized goods and services. Pennel’s primary NAICS focus includes 621111 and 621112 (physician offices), indicating procurement of medical and forensic diagnostic equipment; 611430 (professional training), supporting investigator certification and forensic methodology instruction; and 541511 (custom computer programming), enabling tailored software for evidence management and digital forensics. Her expertise lies in procuring high-integrity, mission-critical systems that bridge forensic science, cybersecurity, and law enforcement operational readiness.