Darlene Johnson

Darlene Johnson serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement validation and market research through solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supports her agency’s mission by delivering high-value professional, scientific, and technical services. Her portfolio primarily consists of complex service-based contracts requiring rigorous technical evaluation and performance-based management, with a focus on research and development, engineering support, and specialized technical services. While specific contractor names are not available, Darlene maintains a balanced procurement approach that fosters competition among both large and small businesses. She engages with a diverse pool of vendors, including firms with expertise in physical and engineering sciences, commercial machinery, and computer-related services. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for open competition, yet she actively facilitates opportunities for small business participation through structured set-asides and market outreach. Darlene’s set-aside preferences show a strong commitment to small business inclusion, with 25% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, while the majority—75%—are awarded under full and open competition without set-asides. She does not appear to prioritize socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, instead focusing on broad small business eligibility to maximize competition and innovation. Her primary NAICS focus is on 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), reflecting deep expertise in procuring scientific and engineering services. She also regularly acquires services under 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), and 333310 (Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing), demonstrating proficiency in both technical R&D and operational support procurement across multidisciplinary domains.