Carmen B. Ragin

Carmen B. Ragin serves as a Contract Specialist within the Support Services Section (SS40) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where she plays a pivotal role in securing critical administrative, logistical, and operational support services that sustain FEMA’s emergency response infrastructure. She manages the full lifecycle of procurements—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR regulations and alignment with FEMA’s mission to maintain organizational readiness during national crises. Her acquisitions primarily support consulting, communications, and facility operations, with a strong emphasis on timely, mission-critical service delivery. Carmen collaborates with a diverse pool of vendors, including small businesses, general management consultants, public relations firms, and hospitality providers, to fulfill agency needs. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, her procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms capable of delivering scalable, responsive support services under dynamic operational conditions. She fosters transparent, competitive contracting environments and maintains strong working relationships with vendors who demonstrate reliability, regulatory compliance, and mission alignment. Carmen demonstrates a robust commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with over half of her acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. She also regularly utilizes 8(a) competed set-asides, reflecting a strategic emphasis on empowering disadvantaged small businesses, while maintaining a balanced approach with approximately one-third of contracts issued as open, non-set-aside opportunities. Her contracting patterns prioritize broad small business participation and equitable access to federal opportunities. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 721110 (hotels and motels), supporting temporary lodging for emergency personnel; NAICS 541611 (administrative management consulting), ensuring efficient operational workflows; and NAICS 541820 (public relations agencies), facilitating public communication during crisis events. This specialized domain expertise enables her to effectively evaluate technical proposals and ensure service quality across mission-critical support functions.