Caren N Rasmussen

Caren N. Rasmussen serves as a Lead Contract Specialist, guiding the acquisition lifecycle for complex professional and technical services across federal programs. In this role, she ensures compliance with FAR regulations while executing strategic sourcing initiatives that align with agency mission objectives. She manages full-cycle procurements—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—primarily for scientific, analytical, and technical support services. Her expertise lies in structuring competitive acquisitions that balance technical rigor, cost-effectiveness, and regulatory adherence, ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities. While specific contractor names are not available, Rasmussen maintains a broad network of vendors spanning analytical instrumentation manufacturers, independent testing laboratories, and scientific consulting firms. Her procurement approach emphasizes open competition, fostering relationships with both large industry primes and agile small businesses capable of delivering specialized technical solutions. She actively engages in pre-solicitation outreach to ensure market readiness and encourages responsive, innovative proposals that meet evolving technical requirements. Rasmussen’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with approximately 90% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she consistently supports small business participation, with roughly 10% of awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Her approach demonstrates a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, prioritizing fair access for small businesses without compromising competition or mission needs. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), and 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), indicating deep engagement with scientific instrumentation, laboratory testing, and specialized technical consulting. She routinely procures high-precision analytical equipment, certification services, and expert advisory support for research and compliance-driven programs, demonstrating technical fluency in laboratory systems, data analysis, and quality assurance frameworks.