Ken Pliska

Ken A. Pliska serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of complex procurement actions, from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing mission-critical acquisitions across technical and industrial domains. His portfolio primarily encompasses high-precision manufacturing and instrumentation contracts, requiring deep familiarity with technical specifications, performance-based contracting, and source selection procedures under FAR Part 15. Pliska’s work supports the acquisition of specialized equipment vital to national infrastructure, defense, and industrial control systems. While specific contractor names are not disclosed, Pliska maintains consistent relationships with a diverse base of manufacturers and system integrators specializing in engineered hardware and control devices. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for competitive, open-market solicitations, with a structured approach to evaluating technical capability, past performance, and supply chain reliability. He frequently engages with mid-tier industrial suppliers and niche manufacturers capable of meeting stringent quality and compliance standards, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in transparency and regulatory adherence. Pliska’s set-aside preferences demonstrate a strong alignment with broad small business participation, with nearly 88% of actions conducted as full and open competitions without set-asides. Of the remaining awards, over 11% are designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, while smaller portions support Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and 8(a) firms. This pattern reflects a balanced approach—prioritizing competition while intentionally creating pathways for qualified small businesses to compete in technical manufacturing markets. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 335312 (Motor and Generator Manufacturing), followed by 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) and 334514 (Totalizing Fluid Meter and Counting Device Manufacturing). These categories indicate deep expertise in procuring industrial automation components, precision instrumentation, and specialized electrical control systems. Pliska’s technical domain knowledge enables him to effectively evaluate engineering proposals and ensure acquisitions meet operational and interoperability requirements in highly regulated environments.