Carmen Smith

Carmen Smith serves as a procurement specialist responsible for managing complex acquisitions in advanced manufacturing and aerospace systems. She plays a critical role in executing the agency’s acquisition strategy by overseeing the solicitation, evaluation, and award of contracts for specialized components and subsystems. Her portfolio centers on high-precision engineering products, particularly those supporting aviation and electronics infrastructure, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and technical performance standards. She routinely handles competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements under FAR Part 15, with a strong emphasis on technical evaluation and source selection criteria aligned with mission-critical operational needs. Smith maintains a broad network of industrial suppliers, primarily engaging manufacturers of aircraft components, printed circuit boards, and mechanical power transmission systems. While no single contractor dominates her award portfolio, she consistently collaborates with mid-tier and emerging suppliers capable of meeting stringent military and aerospace specifications. Her contracting approach prioritizes technical capability, quality assurance, and supply chain resilience, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based outcomes and continuous improvement practices. Her procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 91.3% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation, consistently allocating 8.7% of opportunities to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This demonstrates a measured commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising technical rigor or mission readiness. Smith’s primary focus lies in NAICS 336413, encompassing other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment, alongside specialized procurement in bare printed circuit board manufacturing and mechanical power transmission systems. Her technical expertise spans avionics integration, aerospace-grade hardware, and electronic subsystems, positioning her as a key liaison between engineering requirements and industrial production capabilities in defense and aviation sectors.