Derek H. Celedon

Derek Celedon supports the Agricultural Research Service’s unit under agency code 129135 in advancing scientific innovation through strategic procurement of high-performance laboratory and field instrumentation. He plays a critical role in acquiring precision analytical equipment, specialized biological analysis systems, and advanced irrigation and farm machinery essential to cutting-edge agricultural research. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of acquisitions—from needs assessment and market research to contract award and performance monitoring—ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission to enable data-driven crop and soil management, sustainable pest research, and environmental resilience through technological advancement. Closely aligned with the agency’s procurement strategy, Celedon cultivates partnerships with a diverse ecosystem of vendors, primarily focused on manufacturers of analytical instruments and agricultural technology. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, his contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with mid- to high-capacity firms capable of delivering complex, calibrated equipment with rigorous compliance standards. He emphasizes technical validation, performance specifications, and post-award support, fostering long-term vendor relationships built on reliability, innovation, and adherence to federal acquisition regulations. Ceoledon demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 69% of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. His procurement portfolio consistently prioritizes small business participation, including HUBZone, 8(a), and women-owned small businesses, reflecting a deliberate effort to expand access to federal opportunities for underrepresented innovators in agricultural science and engineering. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), where he acquires mass spectrometers, chromatographs, and spectral analyzers. He also regularly procures equipment under NAICS 333111 (Farm Machinery and Equipment Manufacturing) and 334517 (Irradiation Apparatus Manufacturing), demonstrating deep technical expertise in precision agricultural science tools. His domain knowledge spans soil spectroscopy, pathogen detection systems, and automated field sensor networks, ensuring acquisitions directly support mission-critical research outcomes.