Lara J. Hicok

Lara J. Hicok serves as a Purchasing Agent responsible for managing the acquisition of specialized goods and services to support operational needs across federal programs. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations, including FAR Part 13 and Part 19, while facilitating timely and cost-effective contract awards. Her acquisitions primarily involve scientific instrumentation, agricultural inputs, and biological manufacturing supplies, reflecting a technical procurement profile that bridges agricultural and life sciences domains. Hicok plays a critical role in translating agency requirements into solicitation documents, evaluating vendor proposals, and administering contracts to meet mission-critical objectives. While specific contractor relationships are not publicly enumerated, Hicok’s procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with manufacturers and suppliers in niche technical sectors, particularly those capable of delivering precision equipment and regulated biological products. Her contracting approach emphasizes vendor reliability, regulatory compliance, and technical capability over volume, fostering partnerships with firms that demonstrate quality control, traceability, and adherence to industry standards such as ISO 13485 and Good Manufacturing Practices. Hicok’s set-aside preferences reveal a strong alignment with small business participation, with 14.3% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Although the majority of her acquisitions remain open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides signals a deliberate effort to expand market access for qualified small firms, particularly those with specialized capabilities in manufacturing and agricultural production. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 111940 (Hay Farming) and 112120 (Dairy Cattle and Milk Production), indicating significant sourcing of agricultural commodities and feedstock, while NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and 325414 (Biological Product Manufacturing) reflect her engagement with precision instrumentation and regulated biologics. This blend of agricultural and life sciences procurement underscores her expertise in managing complex supply chains for both bulk commodities and high-integrity technical products.