Calynda Baines

Calynda Baines serves as a key procurement professional within the Mission Support Contracting Division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where she supports the operational readiness of frontline border security missions through the acquisition of specialized equipment, analytical instrumentation, and logistical support services. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle management of contracts for critical assets including canine detection systems, protective ordnance, and advanced threat-detection technologies. She ensures alignment with agency priorities by executing acquisitions that sustain high-demand, mission-critical functions, particularly those requiring technical precision and rapid deployment in austere environments. Baines maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including VISTA OUTDOOR SALES LLC, LABVANTAGE SOLUTIONS INC, ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC., L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC., and FOSTER & FREEMAN USA INC. These partnerships reflect a focus on vendors with proven expertise in defense-grade equipment, laboratory analytics, and field-deployable instrumentation. Her procurement approach emphasizes reliability, technical compliance, and supply chain resilience, often engaging contractors with specialized certifications and domain-specific experience in law enforcement and homeland security applications. While the majority of her acquisitions are conducted under open competition—reflecting a 70.7% preference for no set-aside—she actively facilitates small business participation, with nearly 30% of awards directed toward Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand vendor diversity without compromising mission requirements, particularly in technical categories where qualified small businesses offer innovative, niche capabilities. Her procurement focus is heavily concentrated in NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and 541990 (Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), underscoring expertise in procuring forensic detection systems, data analytics platforms, and technical support services for threat identification. She also regularly acquires ordnance and protective gear under NAICS 332994, demonstrating deep familiarity with defense-grade equipment standards and compliance protocols.