Darrell Kelso

Darrell Kelso serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement validation and solicitation development to contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supports the agency’s mission by delivering specialized industrial equipment and engineered components through transparent, competitive processes. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex procurements for mechanical systems, vehicle parts, and fabricated metal products, requiring technical acumen and precise contract language to address engineering specifications and performance standards. Kelso cultivates relationships with a diverse base of industrial contractors, including manufacturers of power transmission equipment, motor vehicle components, and rubber/plastics hosing systems. While no single vendor dominates his award portfolio, he consistently engages with both large industrial firms and small businesses capable of meeting stringent technical and quality control requirements. His contracting approach emphasizes competitive bidding, clear performance metrics, and post-award oversight to ensure deliverables align with operational needs. His procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 88.5% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides. However, he actively supports small business participation, dedicating 7.7% of awards to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and 3.9% to service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). This balanced approach ensures market access for qualified small firms while maintaining procurement efficiency and value. Kelso’s technical focus centers on NAICS codes related to mechanical power transmission (333613), other motor vehicle parts manufacturing (336390), and miscellaneous fabricated metal products (332999), indicating deep expertise in industrial machinery, automotive components, and custom metal fabrication. He routinely procures precision-engineered parts, drive systems, and specialized hoses used in heavy-duty applications, requiring familiarity with material specifications, tolerances, and industry standards such as ANSI and SAE.