Miriam A. Castro

Miriam A. Castro supports the Sc Oak Ridge Office of the Department of Energy in executing mission-critical procurement activities focused on information services, technical support, and administrative infrastructure. She manages acquisitions that sustain advanced research environments, including high-performance computing systems and scientific communication platforms essential to national energy and security objectives. Her work centers on securing specialized technical services that enable cutting-edge scientific operations, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning with the agency’s strategic priorities in artificial intelligence and data-intensive research. Castro routinely handles complex, performance-based contracts requiring deep technical vetting and vendor evaluation. Castro maintains strong, ongoing relationships with key contractors including BLACK HILLS SERVICE COMPANY, LLC and AJCE CORPORATION, both of which provide specialized information technology and technical support services. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance outcomes, service reliability, and technical adaptability, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in consistent delivery and compliance with DOE security and operational standards. These relationships reflect a preference for proven vendors with demonstrated expertise in supporting federal scientific missions, particularly in cybersecurity-enabled information systems and technical publishing. Her contracting patterns show a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of awards directed through 8(a) competed set-asides, indicating a deliberate commitment to small business participation. While the majority of acquisitions are unrestricted, she consistently leverages the 8(a) program to cultivate capable small businesses with niche technical capabilities aligned to the agency’s mission. This pattern reflects a strategic balance between operational necessity and socioeconomic responsibility. Castro’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), where she secures advanced IT support, data management, and software development services critical to scientific computing environments. She also procures office administrative services under NAICS 561110 to sustain operational continuity. Her expertise spans technical domains including scientific data systems, publishing platforms, and IT infrastructure support for federally funded research initiatives.