Crystal M Ober

Crystal M. Ober serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from solicitation through contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supports the agency’s mission by executing timely, transparent, and legally sound procurements. Her portfolio primarily centers on industrial manufacturing and maintenance-related supplies, with a strong emphasis on standardized hardware components and specialized industrial products. Ober handles both competitive and sole-source acquisitions, applying sound market research and acquisition planning to meet operational requirements while maintaining fiscal accountability. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Ober maintains consistent working relationships with manufacturers and distributors specializing in industrial fasteners, lubricants, and sanitation products. Her procurement approach emphasizes competitive bidding, vendor responsiveness, and adherence to technical specifications, fostering reliable supply chains for mission-critical components. She engages with both large-capacity producers and qualified small businesses, ensuring market diversity and performance reliability across the vendor base. Ober demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with approximately 80% of her awards issued under non-set-aside conditions. However, she actively supports small business participation, allocating nearly 20% of her contracting activity to small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, including a notable focus on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSBs). Her socioeconomic contracting patterns reflect a balanced commitment to both broad market access and targeted opportunities for qualified veteran-owned firms. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw, Rivet, and Washer Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in mechanical fastener systems and related hardware. She also routinely procures petroleum-based lubricants (NAICS 324191) and industrial sanitation products (NAICS 325612), indicating specialized knowledge in materials science, corrosion control, and maintenance logistics. Ober’s technical domain expertise ensures the acquisition of mission-ready components that meet rigorous performance and durability standards.