Catherine Collins

Catherine Collins serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex professional, scientific, and technical acquisitions that directly support national security objectives. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract management—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—focusing primarily on research and development, systems engineering, and cybersecurity services. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to enhance operational readiness through innovative technical solutions and rigorous contract oversight. Collins collaborates with a diverse array of federal contractors, including large prime firms and specialized technical service providers, to secure high-integrity capabilities in physical and engineering sciences, computer systems design, and independent testing services. Her working relationships are characterized by a results-driven, compliance-focused approach, emphasizing performance-based contracting and clear deliverable definitions. She maintains consistent engagement with vendors possessing proven expertise in systems integration, laboratory testing, and technical consulting, fostering partnerships grounded in accountability and technical excellence. Her procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides, indicating a focus on selecting the most technically qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status. While she does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her approach ensures that all eligible entities—regardless of size—compete on an equal footing based on technical merit and past performance. Catherine specializes in NAICS 541712 (Research and Development in Physical and Engineering Sciences), with significant activity in computer systems design (541512), social science research (541720), testing laboratories (541380), and technical consulting (541690). Her portfolio centers on acquiring advanced scientific services, cybersecurity infrastructure, and engineering analysis to support DHS’s mission-critical systems, demonstrating deep domain expertise in technical procurement and performance-based acquisition strategies.