Lerna Shafakian

Lerna Shafakian serves as a Contracting Officer within the U.S. Marshals Service Office of Security Contracts, a critical component of the Department of Justice responsible for securing federal judicial operations. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for mission-critical security services, including personnel deployment, facility protection systems, and administrative support infrastructure essential to court safety. Her acquisitions directly enable the USMS to fulfill its statutory mandate to protect judges, witnesses, court personnel, and federal judicial facilities. She routinely handles performance-based service contracts under FAR Part 37, ensuring compliance with federal security standards and operational readiness requirements. Shafakian works with a broad spectrum of qualified contractors specializing in federal security support, including firms with expertise in protective services, risk assessment, and operational logistics. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she maintains a consistent focus on vendors with proven experience in federal courthouse environments and demonstrated capability in high-sensitivity, mission-essential operations. Her working relationships are characterized by rigorous performance monitoring, strict adherence to task order protocols, and close coordination with program managers to align contracting outcomes with operational needs. Shafakian’s procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides. This approach underscores her commitment to selecting the most qualified providers based on technical merit and past performance, rather than socioeconomic classifications. While she does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, she ensures all solicitations are structured to encourage broad market participation and fair competition. Her primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541611—Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services—reflecting her specialization in contracting for strategic security planning, operational oversight, and administrative support services. She procures consulting solutions that enhance the efficiency, compliance, and resilience of federal court security programs, demonstrating deep expertise in service-based acquisitions within the federal justice domain.