Carolyn M. Van Pelt

Carolyn M. Van Pelt serves as a Contract Specialist within the GSA/FAS Office of Acquisition Operations, where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that support the federal government’s travel and transportation infrastructure. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—she ensures compliance with FAR regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to deliver secure, cost-effective, and scalable travel solutions. Her portfolio primarily encompasses IT-enabled travel management systems, air transportation services, and lodging platforms, with a strong emphasis on modernizing federal mobility operations through innovative, compliant contracting. Van Pelt cultivates strategic partnerships with a diverse array of vendors, particularly those specializing in travel technology and systems integration. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, her contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms capable of delivering integrated travel management platforms, data analytics tools, and cybersecurity-compliant reservation systems. She fosters collaborative relationships with both large-capability contractors and small business innovators, prioritizing responsiveness, technical agility, and service reliability in vendor selection. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Van Pelt consistently prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with 81% of her acquisitions designated for Total Small Business under FAR 19.5. Her contracting approach actively promotes inclusion across multiple small business categories, reflecting a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for disadvantaged and underrepresented vendors. This commitment aligns with GSA’s broader goals of equitable economic growth and resilient supply chain development. Her technical focus centers on NAICS 336112 (Aircraft Manufacturing) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), indicating deep expertise in procuring aviation-related systems and enterprise-level IT solutions that support federal travel ecosystems. She specializes in acquiring software platforms for itinerary management, real-time traveler analytics, and integrated booking systems, demonstrating proficiency in both aerospace and digital services domains.