Carmen Clarke

Carmen Clarke serves as a procurement lead within the DSC Contracting Services Division of the National Park Service, overseeing acquisitions critical to the preservation and modernization of national park infrastructure. Responsible for managing complex construction and environmental restoration contracts, Clarke ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to protect historic structures and enhance visitor access across ecologically sensitive landscapes. Her portfolio primarily includes specialty trade, civil engineering, and landscaping contracts, with a strong emphasis on projects requiring technical expertise in remote site development and sustainable infrastructure rehabilitation. Clarke maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of experienced contractors, including HDR Engineering Inc., Johnson, Mirmiran & Thompson, Inc., McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC, BookCliff Partners, LLC, and Aleut Construction LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for firms with proven capabilities in historic preservation, utility system upgrades, and heavy civil construction within constrained natural environments. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical vetting, and performance-based outcomes over transactional procurement. A strong advocate for small business participation, Clarke consistently prioritizes Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over 55% of her awards designated for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster economic opportunity in rural and underserved communities while leveraging the specialized skills of niche contractors capable of operating in sensitive ecological zones. Her procurement patterns align with broader NPS goals of equitable contracting and community engagement. Her technical focus centers on NAICS 238990 (Specialty Trade Contractors), 115112 (Soil Preparation and Cultivating), 237310 (Highway/Street/Bridge Construction), and 561730 (Landscaping Services), underscoring expertise in site rehabilitation, erosion control, trail development, and utility infrastructure renewal. Clarke’s work demands deep familiarity with environmental compliance, historic preservation standards, and resilient construction practices in federally protected lands.