Debra P. Reaves

Debra P. Reaves serves as a Contract Specialist with the New Orleans Contract Operations Management Branch under the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where she plays a critical role in securing time-sensitive logistical and operational services to support disaster response and recovery missions. Her portfolio primarily encompasses acquisitions for temporary housing infrastructure, site preparation, and emergency support services, including the procurement of recreational vehicle park operations and campground management. Reaves ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while rapidly mobilizing contract vehicles to meet urgent mission needs following federal disaster declarations, often working under expedited procedures to deliver essential services to displaced populations. Reaves collaborates with a diverse range of contractors specializing in emergency infrastructure, food service, and specialty trade services. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms capable of rapid deployment, modular housing solutions, and temporary utility support. Her working relationships emphasize agility, scalability, and proven performance in high-pressure environments, favoring vendors with experience in federal emergency response and pre-qualified GSA schedules. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong commitment to small business participation, with 37.5% of her acquisitions designated for small business set-asides, including 25% total small business set-asides and 12.5% HUBZone set-asides. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity in disaster-affected regions while ensuring a resilient vendor base capable of scaling during crises. She actively leverages FAR 19.5 and socioeconomic programs to foster competition and community resilience. Reaves’ primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 722310 (Food Service Contractors), 236115 (New Single-Family Housing Construction), 238910 (Site Preparation), and 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors). She specializes in acquiring turnkey solutions for emergency housing, sanitation, access roads, and temporary utilities—domains requiring coordination among multiple trades to establish safe, functional living environments under austere conditions. Her technical expertise centers on integrating rapid construction, logistics, and service delivery to meet FEMA’s operational tempo.