Cassandra F. Tharpe

Cassandra F. Tharpe serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement validation and solicitation development to contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supports the agency’s mission by delivering mission-critical technical solutions through transparent, competitive processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses complex procurements in advanced electronics, aerospace systems, and engineering services, requiring deep technical understanding and precise contract structuring to meet evolving operational needs. Tharpe cultivates relationships with a diverse range of contractors, including prime vendors specializing in defense-grade instrumentation, communications equipment, and precision engineering services. While no single contractor dominates her award portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing the technical certifications and manufacturing capabilities necessary to meet stringent performance and compliance standards. Her contracting approach emphasizes fair competition, rigorous source selection, and long-term vendor performance oversight, fostering a reliable supply base capable of delivering high-reliability systems under demanding conditions. Her procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 91.3% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. The remaining 8.7% are strategically allocated to small business categories, including Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission readiness or technical rigor. Tharpe’s primary technical focus lies in NAICS 334511, where she procures navigation, guidance, and aeronautical systems, alongside significant activity in engineering services (541330) and electronic component manufacturing (334419, 334290). Her expertise spans the acquisition of avionics, sensor systems, communication hardware, and peripheral computing equipment, positioning her as a key liaison between operational users and high-precision technology suppliers in the defense and aerospace sectors.