David Larson

David Larson serves as a Contracting Specialist within the Office of Acquisition at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where he plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related deaths and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. He manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions centered on research, technical services, and policy support, with a focus on behavioral studies, engineering analyses, and safety technology evaluations. His work directly supports regulatory development and public awareness campaigns by securing expert consulting, data analysis, and testing services critical to NHTSA’s evidence-driven decision-making. Larson maintains consistent contracting relationships with key vendors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators. These partnerships reflect a pattern of engaging specialized firms capable of delivering high-integrity research, technical evaluation, and program implementation services aligned with federal safety standards. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables, fostering long-term collaboration with vendors who demonstrate deep domain expertise in transportation safety and public policy. His procurement strategy prioritizes broad market access, with 70% of awards issued without set-asides, while maintaining a robust commitment to small business participation—approximately 25% of contracts are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5), and 5% are competed under the 8(a) program. This balanced approach ensures competitive rigor while actively promoting socioeconomic diversity among contractors. Larson’s primary NAICS focus areas include Administrative Management Consulting (541611), Social Sciences Research (541720), and Testing Laboratories (541380), reflecting his specialization in procurement of policy analysis, behavioral research, and safety compliance testing services. He frequently acquires technical services supporting vehicle safety innovation, regulatory impact assessments, and public communication strategy development, demonstrating strong expertise in the intersection of engineering, social science, and regulatory policy.