Darlene C, Leavell

Darlene C. Leavell serves as a key procurement professional within the Procurement Directorate Contracting Division of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, supporting the agency’s mission to enhance border security through strategic acquisitions of specialized technical services and detection equipment. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for mission-critical systems, including custom software development, analytical instrumentation, and management consulting services that underpin K9 enforcement operations and secure facility infrastructure. Her work directly enables operational readiness by ensuring timely delivery of high-integrity, technically complex solutions aligned with CBP’s national security objectives. Leavell cultivates partnerships with a diverse array of vendors, primarily engaging firms specializing in custom computer programming, laboratory instrument manufacturing, and administrative consulting services. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently collaborates with both large-tier systems integrators and niche technical providers capable of meeting stringent federal compliance and performance standards. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous technical evaluation, and vendor accountability to ensure mission-critical systems function reliably in high-stakes environments. Her procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 83.3% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, she actively supports small business participation, allocating 16.7% of opportunities to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals. While no specific 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB preferences are evident, her consistent use of small business set-asides signals a deliberate effort to broaden vendor diversity within the technical acquisition base. Leavell’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541519 (Other Computer-Related Services), reflecting her emphasis on tailored software solutions for detection analytics and case management. She also frequently procures analytical laboratory instrumentation (334516) and management consulting services (541611), underscoring her expertise in integrating technical systems with operational workflows to enhance canine detection capabilities and facility security protocols.