Bettye Clay

Bettye Clay serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions across engineering, aerospace, and professional technical services. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing mission-critical objectives through strategic sourcing and contract administration. Her portfolio primarily encompasses service-based contracts under FAR Part 12 and Part 15, with a focus on performance-based acquisition methods. She plays a pivotal role in translating agency needs into enforceable contractual requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-value technical solutions while maintaining rigorous oversight of contractor performance and compliance. Bettye Clay cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including established engineering firms, aerospace manufacturers, and IT systems integrators. While no single contractor dominates her award history, she consistently engages with firms possessing specialized technical certifications and proven track records in engineering design and systems integration. Her contracting approach emphasizes competitive solicitation, clear performance metrics, and robust post-award management to ensure accountability and deliverables alignment with mission goals. A strong advocate for small business participation, Bettye Clay regularly utilizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with nearly 43% of her acquisitions reserved exclusively for small businesses. Her procurement patterns reflect a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic objectives, prioritizing small business eligibility over other set-aside categories such as 8(a) or HUBZone. This approach ensures broad access to opportunities while maintaining competition and value for the government. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services) and 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), with additional emphasis on computer systems design (541512) and other professional technical services (541990). She routinely procures engineering analysis, systems integration, prototype development, and technical consulting services, demonstrating deep familiarity with aerospace and defense-related technical domains and the regulatory frameworks governing them.