Iris Thomas

Iris R. Thomas serves as a Contract Specialist with the 248-NETWORK Contract Office 8 (36C248) under the Department of Veterans Affairs, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex procurement actions to support the modernization and operational readiness of VA medical facilities. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts for critical infrastructure upgrades, including commercial and institutional construction, electrical systems, and engineering services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and VA-specific mission requirements. Her work directly enables the delivery of safe, functional, and technologically advanced healthcare environments for veterans by securing high-quality construction and professional services that align with facility modernization priorities. Thomas maintains consistent, long-term partnerships with key contractors including BLUE CORD DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION, LLC, P.D.S. CONSULTANTS, INC., CAVU CONSULTING LLC, MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, and PARAMOUNT CONSTRUCTION GROUP, LLC. These relationships reflect a preference for established firms with proven expertise in VA facility upgrades, often involving collaborative pre-solicitation engagement and performance-based contract structures. Her contracting approach emphasizes accountability, technical precision, and contractor reliability in delivering mission-critical infrastructure outcomes. A strong advocate for socioeconomic inclusion, Thomas prioritizes Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, which account for half of her award activity, alongside a balanced allocation to total small business set-asides and no-set-aside procurements. This pattern demonstrates a deliberate strategy to advance veteran-owned enterprise participation while maintaining competitive rigor and mission readiness. Her procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), with significant activity in 238210 (Electrical Contractors) and 541330 (Engineering Services). She specializes in acquiring facility upgrades—HVAC, plumbing, electrical systems, and structural improvements—requiring deep technical understanding of construction standards, building codes, and VA facility specifications to ensure compliance and long-term operational sustainability.