Kaitlyn D. Smith

Kaitlyn Smith supports the NASA Shared Services Center in executing mission-critical procurement activities that sustain the agency’s scientific and operational infrastructure. Though her formal title is not listed, her role centers on managing complex acquisitions for advanced instrumentation, specialized software systems, and engineering services essential to NASA’s research and exploration missions. She handles competitive solicitations under FAR Part 15, with a focus on high-precision analytical equipment, custom programming, and management consulting services that enable mission-enabling technologies. Her work directly aligns with the Center’s mandate to deliver enterprise-wide support through efficient, compliant, and technically rigorous contracting. Smith maintains consistent procurement relationships with key vendors including NEXTROW INC and PENN OAK SERVICES LLC, both of which provide specialized technical and administrative support services. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established contractors with proven capabilities in delivering tailored solutions for scientific and operational environments. These partnerships are typically structured through indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and performance-based task orders, emphasizing quality, compliance, and mission alignment over cost alone. Her procurement strategy prioritizes broad market access, with 63.5% of awards issued without set-asides, while maintaining a robust commitment to small business participation—35.9% of awards are designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. Though HUBZone set-asides are minimal at 0.6%, her portfolio demonstrates deliberate inclusion of small disadvantaged and women-owned firms, reflecting NASA’s socioeconomic goals without compromising technical requirements. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Administrative Management Consulting (541611), and Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing (334516), underscoring her expertise in procuring software development, systems integration, and high-end scientific instrumentation. She consistently sources mission-critical solutions that bridge computational infrastructure, data analytics, and laboratory automation to support NASA’s scientific objectives.