Charles Underwood

Charles D. Underwood serves as a key procurement professional responsible for managing complex acquisitions in advanced manufacturing and engineering services. He plays a central role in executing the agency’s mission to secure mission-critical components and technical solutions through competitive, compliant contracting processes. His portfolio primarily encompasses industrial and electronic manufacturing, engineering design, and specialized equipment procurement, often requiring technical evaluation and lifecycle support. Underwood ensures acquisitions align with federal acquisition regulations and prioritize operational readiness, innovation, and supply chain resilience. Underwood maintains a broad network of vendor relationships across the defense and industrial base, engaging with both large-tier manufacturers and specialized small businesses. He routinely collaborates with contractors capable of delivering precision-engineered motor vehicle components, printed circuit assemblies, and audio/video systems, often requiring ITAR or DFARS compliance. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, technical capability assessments, and long-term supplier reliability, fostering partnerships grounded in quality, delivery consistency, and regulatory adherence. A strong advocate for small business participation, Underwood consistently structures procurements to maximize opportunities under the Total Small Business Set-Aside program (FAR 19.5), with over 20% of his awards reserved for small businesses. While the majority of his contracts remain open to all competitors, his deliberate use of set-asides reflects a commitment to fostering economic diversity and enabling emerging manufacturers to compete for federal contracts. He does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, instead focusing on broad-based small business inclusion through simplified acquisition thresholds and competitive small business set-asides. His technical expertise centers on NAICS 335911 (Electrical Equipment Manufacturing), 336390 (Other Motor Vehicle Parts Manufacturing), and 541330 (Engineering Services), reflecting a specialization in automotive electronics, embedded systems, and technical design support. He frequently procures custom electronic assemblies, control modules, and specialized instrumentation, demonstrating deep familiarity with manufacturing processes, supply chain traceability, and technical specification development for mission-critical applications.