Leila Hemenway

Leila Hemenway serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security, where she plays a pivotal role in executing the acquisition of critical professional, scientific, and technical services that support national security operations. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract management—from requirements validation and solicitation development to award administration and performance oversight—ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and DHS mission priorities. She specializes in procuring complex engineering, cybersecurity, and research and development services essential to maintaining systems integrity and operational readiness across federal infrastructure. Leila collaborates with a diverse array of prime contractors, including large systems integrators, specialized engineering firms, and technical service providers with deep expertise in physical sciences and cybersecurity. Her working relationships are characterized by a focus on performance-based contracting, clear statement of work development, and rigorous compliance with contract deliverables. She maintains a results-driven approach to vendor engagement, prioritizing technical capability, past performance, and contract compliance over volume-based award patterns. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides, indicating a strategic emphasis on selecting the most technically qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status. While she does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her procurement decisions remain fully compliant with all socioeconomic regulations, and she actively supports small business participation through subcontracting opportunities and mentor-protégé initiatives where appropriate. Leila’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS categories related to scientific research and development, systems engineering, cybersecurity services, and technical consulting. She regularly acquires advanced technical services in areas such as threat analysis, network resilience, physical security systems, and mission-critical software development, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical domains underpinning DHS’s operational capabilities. Her expertise ensures that acquisitions are not only compliant but also strategically aligned with evolving national security technology needs.