Darlene Howes

Darlene Howes serves as a key procurement lead within the W7NC Uspfo Activity Me Arng, a Department of the Army unit dedicated to sustaining the readiness of the Maine Army National Guard through non-combat support services. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions focused on mission-critical human services, including meal services for training and deployment cycles, medical support for youth and recruit programs, and lodging and laundry services for pre-deployment personnel. Her work ensures that essential non-combat infrastructure is in place to enable operational readiness, requiring precise application of FAR regulations and a deep understanding of the unique logistical needs of National Guard operations. Howes maintains consistent working relationships with core contractors including JEFF’S CATERING & BAKE SHOP, INC. and ARCABEL SOLUTIONS LLC, both of which provide specialized services aligned with the unit’s sustainment mission. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capacity in food service, medical logistics, and facility support, often awarding task orders under indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) mechanisms. These partnerships are characterized by long-term reliability, performance-based contract management, and a focus on compliance with DoD quality and safety standards. Her procurement strategy demonstrates a balanced commitment to small business participation, with nearly half of her awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, while the remainder remain open to all competitors. This reflects a deliberate effort to foster economic opportunity within the regional small business community without compromising mission requirements. Howes’ primary NAICS focus includes 621399 and 621999 for miscellaneous health services, 812332 for industrial laundering, and 334111 for electronic equipment manufacturing, indicating a unique blend of medical, hygiene, and technical procurement needs. Her expertise lies in bridging civilian service capabilities with military readiness standards, ensuring that non-traditional support functions are effectively integrated into Army National Guard operations.