Eileen J. LeGates

Eileen J. LeGates serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, Office of Acquisition and Procurement, supporting the nation’s agricultural science mission through strategic acquisition of critical research infrastructure and specialized technical services. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on laboratory instrumentation, facility construction, and scientific support services essential to advancing crop, pest, and soil research. Her work ensures the operational readiness of federal research facilities by securing high-precision analytical equipment, environmental control systems, and mission-critical building modifications aligned with federal scientific standards. LeGates maintains established relationships with specialized vendors including Lab Leasing Co. of Stevensville, MD, and Boh Environmental, L.L.C., partnering with firms experienced in delivering turnkey laboratory solutions, environmental compliance services, and technical consulting for agricultural research environments. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in handling federally regulated research spaces and calibrated instrumentation, often requiring compliance with ANSI, ISO, and EPA standards. She collaborates closely with scientific staff to translate technical requirements into enforceable contract specifications and performance metrics. Her procurement strategy prioritizes small business participation, with 42.5% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals. While no set-aside programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB are dominant, her portfolio consistently channels opportunities to qualified small businesses capable of delivering niche scientific and construction services. Her primary NAICS focus includes commercial building construction (236220), HVAC and plumbing systems (238220), and analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing (334516), reflecting deep expertise in procuring infrastructure and equipment for high-throughput agricultural research labs. She frequently handles acquisitions for environmental monitoring systems, precision analytical devices, and facility upgrades that support USDA’s mission of scientific innovation in food security and sustainable agriculture.