Carina R Merko

Carina R. Merko serves as a Contract Specialist within the FA4855 27 Socons Lgc under the Department of the Air Force, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that sustain air base infrastructure and operational readiness. She manages a diverse portfolio of construction, facility systems, and support services contracts, with a focus on HVAC, wastewater treatment, and secure communications infrastructure. Her work directly supports the agency’s strategic imperative to modernize aging physical assets while ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and defense-specific requirements. Merko routinely handles complex procurement actions involving both service and supply contracts, ensuring timely delivery of capabilities essential to air base functionality. Merko maintains a consistent working relationship with ALTUS TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS LLC, a key contractor providing specialized technical and facility support services. Her procurement approach emphasizes collaborative vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based outcomes and long-term service delivery models. She engages with contractors who demonstrate proven expertise in military-grade infrastructure systems, prioritizing reliability, compliance, and mission alignment over cost alone. A strong advocate for socioeconomic contracting, Merko consistently applies Total Small Business Set-Aside authorities under FAR 19.5, directing approximately 80% of her acquisitions to small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster competition, enhance innovation, and expand opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and service-disabled veteran-owned firms. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a structured commitment to inclusive procurement practices aligned with Department of Defense and federal small business goals. Her primary NAICS focus includes Educational Support Services and Miscellaneous Instruction, indicating a niche emphasis on training and workforce development infrastructure, alongside specialized procurements in plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contracting. She also manages leasing and rental arrangements for commercial and industrial equipment, reflecting a broad technical scope that bridges facility operations with human capital development. Merko’s expertise lies at the intersection of physical infrastructure modernization and mission-critical support services within the Air Force’s sustainment ecosystem.