Carolyn F. Burns

Carolyn F. Burns serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and advancing agency procurement objectives through transparent, competitive processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses industrial and manufacturing-related procurements, with a focus on electrical components, rubber and plastic products, and metal containers. Burns is known for her meticulous approach to requirement definition and her emphasis on fair and open competition aligned with statutory mandates. While specific contractor names are not available, her contracting patterns indicate consistent engagement with small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those certified under socioeconomic programs. She fosters collaborative vendor relationships grounded in compliance, performance accountability, and timely contract execution. Her working style emphasizes early vendor outreach and clear communication of technical specifications to encourage responsive, high-quality bids. Burns demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 84.6% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to maximize opportunities for small businesses across all socioeconomic categories, including HUBZone, SDVOSB, and WOSB concerns. Her consistent use of set-asides underscores a dedication to fostering economic inclusion and building a resilient small business supply base. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 335931 (Current-Carrying Wiring Device Manufacturing), with additional emphasis on rubber and plastic hoses (326220), metal container manufacturing (332439), communication and energy wire production (335929), and miscellaneous nonmetallic mineral products (327999). This specialization reveals deep technical expertise in industrial electrical systems, durable polymer components, and engineered metal enclosures, positioning her as a subject matter expert in manufacturing supply chain procurement.