Contracting Officer

Charles Ferro serves as a Contract Officer for the Public Buildings Service’s Upstate New York Service Center under the General Services Administration, where he leads the acquisition of critical facility infrastructure and capital improvement projects. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of construction and engineering contracts, Ferro ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to modernize and sustain federal buildings across Upstate New York. His portfolio primarily includes design-build, renovation, and systems upgrade initiatives, with a strong emphasis on delivering safe, efficient, and code-compliant federal workspaces through timely and transparent contracting processes. Ferro cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse base of contractors specializing in commercial and institutional construction, water and sewer infrastructure, and professional engineering services. He routinely engages with both large prime contractors and small business subcontractors, fostering partnerships that prioritize quality, innovation, and performance-based outcomes. His working style emphasizes early vendor engagement, clear solicitation language, and rigorous source selection to ensure contract awards align with technical requirements and mission objectives. A dedicated advocate for socioeconomic contracting, Ferro consistently prioritizes HUBZone set-asides, which account for half of his award activity, alongside a significant 30% allocation to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. His procurement patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and community-based firms, reinforcing GSA’s commitment to equitable access and regional economic development. His technical focus centers on NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), which drives 70% of his acquisitions, supplemented by water and sewer infrastructure projects under 237110 and engineering services under 541330. Ferro’s expertise spans facility modernization, HVAC and electrical system upgrades, and compliance-driven renovations, positioning him as a key operator in delivering mission-critical infrastructure across federal properties in Upstate New York.