Cynthia A. Aki

Cynthia A. Aki serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Procurement Operations, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions of professional, scientific, and technical services critical to national security. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract management—from requirements validation and solicitation development to award administration and performance oversight—ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and DHS operational priorities. She routinely handles high-stakes procurements in cybersecurity, systems engineering, and advanced research services that support mission-critical infrastructure and technological readiness. Cynthia collaborates with a diverse range of contractors, including mid-to-large-tier firms specializing in IT modernization, data analytics, and engineering services, as well as niche technical vendors with domain-specific expertise. Her contracting patterns reflect a focus on performance-based outcomes, resulting in long-term, mission-aligned vendor partnerships grounded in rigorous evaluation criteria and compliance with FAR standards. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms demonstrating proven capabilities in secure systems design and scientific innovation. Cynthia’s procurement approach prioritizes full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides, reflecting a strategic emphasis on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic categorization. While she does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, her contracting decisions are guided by merit-based selection and the imperative to secure the highest-quality technical solutions for national security missions. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 519190 (Other Information Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), and 511210 (Software Publishers), underscoring her specialization in software development, systems integration, and digital infrastructure services. She frequently procures cloud-enabled platforms, cybersecurity tools, and R&D-driven solutions that enhance DHS’s operational resilience and technological sovereignty.