Jennifer A. Defino

Jennifer A. Defino serves as a key procurement professional responsible for managing complex service-based acquisitions within a federal agency, focusing on mission-critical support functions. She oversees the full lifecycle of contracts—from requirements definition and market research to award and performance management—ensuring compliance with FAR and agency-specific policies. Her portfolio centers on professional and technical services that enhance operational efficiency, workforce development, and organizational capacity. Defino’s acquisitions are strategically aligned with agency goals, emphasizing outcomes-driven contracting and performance-based service delivery. Defino maintains a broad network of vendor partnerships, engaging with both large prime contractors and small businesses across the professional services spectrum. She consistently collaborates with firms specializing in facilities support, technical consulting, and workforce training, fostering competitive bidding environments that prioritize quality, innovation, and cost-effectiveness. Her contracting approach emphasizes transparency and fair competition, encouraging diverse vendor participation while maintaining rigorous standards for contract performance and accountability. Her procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with approximately 80.7% of awards issued without set-asides. Nevertheless, she actively promotes socioeconomic objectives, regularly utilizing Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and prioritizing Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and 8(a) competed contracts. This balanced approach demonstrates a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small and disadvantaged businesses while ensuring mission readiness. Defino’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS categories 561210 (Facilities Support Services), 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services), and 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training). She frequently acquires services related to facility operations, technical advisory support, and leadership or compliance training programs. Her expertise spans organizational development, technical advisory services, and adult education delivery systems, reflecting deep domain knowledge in human capital and operational support contracting.