Carmen I. Feliz

Carmen Feliz serves as a Contracting Specialist within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, where she manages the acquisition of critical infrastructure and operational support services essential to sustaining the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and federal maritime facilities. Her portfolio encompasses facility modernization, environmental remediation, and specialized maintenance contracts that ensure mission continuity and workforce readiness. Feliz plays a pivotal role in aligning procurement activities with the agency’s strategic priorities, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing long-term asset sustainability through timely and compliant contract awards. Feliz cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, particularly those specializing in environmental remediation, HVAC systems, and specialized apparel supply for maritime training environments. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing technical expertise in federal facility maintenance and compliance-driven services. Her contracting approach emphasizes vendor reliability, regulatory adherence, and performance-based outcomes, fostering partnerships grounded in accountability and mission alignment. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Feliz prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with 85.5% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She actively promotes opportunities for women-owned small businesses and other disadvantaged entities, reflecting a deliberate and consistent commitment to expanding market access for underrepresented vendors. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a strong alignment with federal socioeconomic goals, ensuring equitable participation across the supply chain. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 238220 (plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors) and 562910 (remediation services), underscoring her technical expertise in facility infrastructure and environmental compliance. She also regularly procures specialized apparel and clothing through NAICS 315250 and 424350, supporting training and operational uniform needs for cadets and maritime personnel. Feliz’s domain expertise centers on integrating technical maintenance, environmental stewardship, and workforce support into a cohesive acquisition strategy.