LaShawn Knowles

LaShawn Knowles serves as a Contracting Officer at the Defense Media Activity (DMA) Riverside, HQ0028, under the Department of Defense, where she leads the acquisition of mission-critical multimedia and technical infrastructure to support military communications, public affairs, and operational training. Her portfolio encompasses the procurement of custom software development, broadcast systems, digital content delivery platforms, and related hardware and installation services. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with DMA’s strategic goals of modernizing media ecosystems and enhancing secure, scalable digital capabilities for DoD audiences. Knowles cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including specialized IT service providers, multimedia technology integrators, and electrical contractors who support broadcast and studio infrastructure. She frequently engages with firms possessing expertise in custom computer programming, media asset management systems, and secure content distribution networks. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work definitions, and vendor accountability to ensure seamless integration of solutions into operational environments. A strong advocate for small business participation, Knowles consistently structures solicitations with a 53.3% small business set-aside rate under FAR 19.5, prioritizing opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses, service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, and other socioeconomic categories. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate effort to expand the vendor base and foster innovation through competitive small business engagement, ensuring equitable access to DoD contracting opportunities. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), Electrical Contractors (238210), and merchant wholesalers of computer equipment and photographic supplies (423430, 423410). This reflects her technical expertise in procuring software development, broadcast wiring and installation, and the procurement of specialized media hardware. Knowles brings deep domain knowledge in digital media infrastructure, ensuring acquisitions meet the rigorous technical and security standards required by the Department of Defense.