Carla O. Hunter

Carla O. Hunter serves as a Contract Specialist within the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that support the agency’s mission to ensure equitable access to nutrition assistance programs such as SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions, from requirement development and market research to contract award and administration, with a focus on professional services that enhance program integrity, operational efficiency, and data-driven decision-making. Her work directly enables FNS to modernize its systems, evaluate program outcomes, and strengthen compliance frameworks across federal nutrition initiatives. Carla collaborates with a diverse range of contractors specializing in administrative and management consulting, as well as general support services. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages firms with demonstrated expertise in federal program evaluation, policy analysis, and systems modernization. Her working relationships are characterized by a focus on performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and rigorous contract oversight to ensure alignment with FNS’s strategic objectives and regulatory requirements. Carla’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions issued without set-aside designations. This approach underscores her commitment to maximizing market participation and ensuring the selection of the most qualified vendors based on technical merit and value, rather than socioeconomic categorization. While she does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, she remains compliant with all federal small business goals and ensures equitable opportunities through transparent solicitation practices. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services) and NAICS 561990 (All Other Support Services), reflecting her specialization in securing advisory, analytical, and operational support services. She routinely procures technical assistance in program evaluation, policy implementation, data analytics, and administrative modernization—domains critical to sustaining the effectiveness and accountability of FNS’s nationwide nutrition programs.