Andrea D. Knowles

Andrea D. Knowles serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements development through contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) while supporting mission-critical procurement needs within her organization. Her portfolio primarily encompasses complex technical services and specialized equipment, with a strong emphasis on research and development, analytical instrumentation, and laboratory testing solutions. Known for her meticulous approach to solicitation drafting and source selection, she ensures acquisitions align with both technical specifications and regulatory requirements. While specific contractor names are not available, Andrea maintains relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including established manufacturers of precision measurement devices and specialized testing laboratories. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for competitive, open market engagements, with a balanced engagement with small businesses that possess technical expertise in highly regulated scientific domains. She fosters collaborative vendor relationships grounded in transparency, performance accountability, and adherence to quality standards. Andrea’s contracting activity is overwhelmingly directed toward open market opportunities, with 88.9% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. The remaining 11.1% are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides in accordance with FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to small business participation. She does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, instead prioritizing broad-based competition among small businesses capable of delivering high-precision technical solutions. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 for research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences, followed by 334516 for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing. She frequently acquires advanced testing equipment, calibration services, and scientific instrumentation used in controlled environments. This specialization reflects deep technical familiarity with laboratory systems, data acquisition technologies, and compliance-driven procurement in scientific and engineering domains.