Karen R. Aquino

Karen R. Aquino serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing the acquisition of food and grocery-related products under federal procurement regulations. She plays a critical role in ensuring the timely and compliant delivery of essential supplies to support government operations, with a focus on merchant wholesaling and food manufacturing sectors. Her acquisitions typically involve sealed bidding and negotiated contracts under FAR Part 12 for commercial items, emphasizing efficiency, market research, and source selection in accordance with federal sourcing guidelines. While specific contractor names are not available, Aquino maintains consistent working relationships with a diverse pool of commercial suppliers, including regional and national wholesale distributors, commercial bakeries, and fluid milk processors. Her procurement approach favors established commercial vendors with proven supply chain reliability and quality control systems, fostering partnerships grounded in performance-based contract management and continuous evaluation under FAR Part 42. Aquino demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 13.3% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Though the majority of her acquisitions remain open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides reflects a deliberate effort to expand market access for qualified small entities, particularly those in the food distribution and processing sectors. Her contracting patterns align with federal socioeconomic goals, prioritizing inclusion without compromising acquisition efficiency or product integrity. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 424410 (General Line Grocery Merchant Wholesalers) and 424490 (Other Grocery and Related Products Merchant Wholesalers), complemented by significant activity in commercial baking (311812), flour milling (311211), and fluid milk manufacturing (311511). She specializes in acquiring bulk food commodities and processed grocery items, requiring deep familiarity with food safety standards, shelf-life requirements, and cold-chain logistics. Her technical expertise ensures acquisitions meet both operational needs and regulatory compliance across the food supply chain.