Kino Keo

Kino Keo serves as a Contracting Officer within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Procurement Operations, where they play a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support national security and operational readiness. Specializing in professional, scientific, and technical services, Keo manages the full lifecycle of contract actions—from requirements validation and solicitation development to award and administration—with a primary focus on investigation and personal background check services. Their work directly enables the agency’s mission to safeguard critical infrastructure and ensure the integrity of personnel vetting systems through rigorous, compliant procurement practices. Keo maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse pool of vendors qualified to deliver sensitive investigative services, including firms with specialized expertise in federal background investigations, security clearance support, and data integrity systems. While no single contractor dominates their portfolio, Keo consistently engages both large-capability providers and small businesses capable of meeting stringent DHS security and compliance standards. Their contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and rigorous contractor oversight to ensure service quality and mission alignment. A strong advocate for socioeconomic equity, Keo prioritizes Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides in 50% of their procurements, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for veteran-owned enterprises. The remaining 50% of actions are conducted as full and open competitions, balancing equitable access with the need for competitive rigor. This pattern underscores a strategic alignment with federal small business goals while maintaining operational flexibility. Keo’s procurement portfolio is exclusively focused on NAICS 561611—Investigation and Personal Background Check Services—demonstrating deep technical expertise in security screening, credential verification, and personnel suitability assessments. Their work supports DHS’s broader cybersecurity and workforce integrity objectives, ensuring that contractors delivering these services meet federal standards for confidentiality, accuracy, and compliance with privacy regulations.