Joseph C. Hodges

Joseph Hodges serves as a Contract Specialist within the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he plays a critical role in executing procurements that support the agency’s mission to administer federal nutrition assistance programs with integrity and efficiency. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for professional services, with a focus on research, management consulting, and training initiatives that enhance program evaluation, policy development, and operational modernization for SNAP, WIC, and the National School Lunch Program. His work ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while aligning contracting decisions with FNS’s strategic goals of data-driven decision-making and program equity. Hodges collaborates primarily with professional services firms specializing in social science research, administrative management consulting, and workforce development training. He engages with a diverse ecosystem of contractors, including small businesses and technical consultants, to deliver analytical and operational support that strengthens program implementation. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for performance-based, outcome-oriented agreements that emphasize measurable results in program integrity and participant outcomes. His procurement strategy demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over 30% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and a notable emphasis on Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) opportunities. While the majority of acquisitions are open to all competitors, his consistent use of socioeconomic set-asides reflects a deliberate effort to expand market access for underrepresented vendors and foster a more inclusive supplier base. Hodges’ primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 541720 (social science research) and 541611 (management consulting), reflecting FNS’s need for evidence-based policy analysis and program evaluation services. He also regularly procures professional training (611430) and technical services (541990, 518210) to support data systems, workforce capacity-building, and digital modernization initiatives. His expertise lies in securing high-impact, non-construction services that directly inform and improve federal nutrition assistance delivery.