Corey Black

Caitlin E. Hippensteel, Branch Chief within the 245-NETWORK Contract Office 5 (36C245) of the Department of Veterans Affairs, leads the acquisition of mission-critical healthcare infrastructure and clinical support systems essential to VA medical centers. She oversees the procurement of specialized medical devices, surgical instrumentation, and facility-based systems that ensure operational readiness and clinical excellence for veteran care. Her portfolio spans complex technical acquisitions requiring rigorous compliance with federal healthcare standards, including biomedical equipment, environmental control systems, and communications infrastructure critical to patient safety and facility functionality. Her primary contractor relationships include JAN-CARE AMBULANCE OF RALEIGH COUNTY, INC., JAN-CARE AMBULANCE OF NORTH CENTRAL W.VA., INC., K & M TRANSPORTATION SERVICES LLC, PANAKEIA, LLC, and GUARDIAN ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES CO INC. These partnerships reflect a focus on medical transport, environmental services, and specialized healthcare logistics, indicating a preference for established vendors with proven capability in delivering time-sensitive, regulated services to federal healthcare environments. Her contracting patterns suggest a reliance on experienced, non-small business providers with demonstrated performance in high-stakes clinical settings. Ms. Hippensteel’s office maintains a 100% non-set-aside procurement strategy, indicating a focus on full and open competition rather than socioeconomic set-asides. This approach prioritizes technical capability, compliance, and mission-critical delivery over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with the high-stakes nature of VA healthcare infrastructure needs. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 339112 for surgical and medical instrument manufacturing, 238220 for plumbing and HVAC contracting, 334220 and 334310 for broadcasting and audiovisual equipment, and 221310 for water supply systems. This diverse technical scope underscores her expertise in integrating complex, interdependent systems—ranging from sterile surgical tools to environmental controls and communication networks—within accredited healthcare facilities.