Clarence Abernathy

Clarence Abernathy serves as a Contracting Officer within the Procurement Directorate Contracting Division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where he plays a pivotal role in securing specialized services and equipment critical to border security operations. His portfolio centers on acquisitions that sustain and expand the agency’s K9 detection programs, secure facility infrastructure, and advanced analytical instrumentation. Abernathy manages full lifecycle contracting actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with CBP’s operational readiness goals. He routinely handles complex, high-stakes contracts requiring technical expertise in engineering and management consulting domains. Abernathy cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, prioritizing small business participation and fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of delivering specialized engineering and administrative support. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, his contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms possessing niche capabilities in heavy civil construction and strategic management consulting. He actively engages in pre-solicitation outreach, industry days, and small business matchmaking events to ensure robust competition and innovative solutions. Abernathy demonstrates a strong institutional commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with a deliberate 50% set-aside preference for total small businesses under FAR 19.5 and an equal emphasis on Women-Owned Small Businesses. His approach reflects a strategic alignment with federal goals to broaden economic opportunity, consistently directing opportunities to small, disadvantaged, and underserved vendors without compromising mission-critical requirements. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction) and 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services). He procures infrastructure enhancements for border facilities, including detention site modifications and security perimeter systems, alongside strategic consulting services that optimize operational workflows and resource allocation for canine enforcement units. His technical expertise spans construction project management, logistics planning, and performance-based service contracting.