Contracting Specialist

Josiah Benton serves as a Contracting Officer for Network Contract Office 19 (36C259) within the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he leads the acquisition of critical facility infrastructure and support services essential to sustaining VA medical operations. His portfolio centers on the procurement of commercial and institutional building construction, engineering services, and specialized maintenance solutions that ensure the operational integrity of VA healthcare facilities. As the primary contracting authority, Benton executes full lifecycle acquisitions—from market research and solicitation to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal regulations while advancing the VA’s mission to deliver high-quality care through modernized infrastructure. Benton maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, L1 ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED, and ALL AMERICAN EXPRESS SOLUTIONS LLC, primarily engaged in facility construction and service support. He also collaborates with specialized providers such as CEPHEID and UNIVERSITY PHYSICIANS, INCORPORATED, to integrate clinical and technical services into facility operations. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance reliability, regulatory adherence, and mission alignment, fostering accountability across contract execution. A defining feature of Benton’s contracting strategy is his strong preference for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, which account for over 60% of his awards. He actively prioritizes socioeconomic programs to advance veteran-owned enterprise participation, complemented by targeted use of Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. His pattern reflects a deliberate commitment to empowering veteran-led businesses while maintaining competitive rigor in sourcing critical services. His technical focus lies predominantly in NAICS 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), where he oversees renovations, repairs, and new construction of VA medical facilities. He also manages acquisitions in engineering services and professional technical support, demonstrating expertise in facility modernization, utility systems integration, and clinical environment compliance. Benton’s domain knowledge ensures that procurement decisions directly enhance the safety, functionality, and accessibility of veteran healthcare infrastructure.