Karen L McFarlane

Karen C. McFarlane serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex professional services acquisitions across technical and healthcare support domains. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing mission-critical objectives through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, and contract administration. Her portfolio primarily encompasses non-clinical professional services, including research, scientific consulting, and specialized ambulatory health support, requiring deep familiarity with performance-based contracting, statement of work development, and risk mitigation in high-complexity environments. McFarlane cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including established professional services firms and niche technical consultants. While no single contractor dominates her award portfolio, she consistently engages firms with demonstrated expertise in scientific research, data analysis, and operational support services. Her procurement approach emphasizes transparency, fair competition, and vendor performance accountability, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in compliance and quality delivery. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted, open competitions, with 100% of awards issued under the “No Set-Aside” category. This indicates a focus on merit-based selection rather than socioeconomic set-asides, prioritizing technical capability and value over demographic classifications. While she does not currently utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, her approach remains aligned with broader agency goals of efficient, results-driven procurement. McFarlane’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), where she secures multidisciplinary expertise in areas such as policy analysis, program evaluation, and technical advisory services. She also actively procures research and development services under NAICS 541712 and specialized ambulatory health support under NAICS 621999, demonstrating expertise in both scientific and healthcare operational contexts. Her domain knowledge spans technical consulting, laboratory support, and non-clinical health system enhancements, positioning her as a key steward of mission-enabling professional services.