Linda C. Squires, Contracting Officer

Linda C. Squires serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisition programs within a defense-related federal entity, focusing on high-value, technically demanding procurements. She oversees the full lifecycle of contract actions—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR regulations and mission-critical delivery timelines. Her portfolio centers on naval and aerospace systems, with a strong emphasis on shipbuilding, aircraft propulsion, and industrial control equipment. Squires plays a pivotal role in translating operational requirements into legally sound, competitively awarded contracts that support national defense readiness and infrastructure modernization. Her contractor relationships are primarily with large-tier prime contractors specializing in marine and aerospace manufacturing, though she maintains an active pipeline of qualified small business vendors. While her awards are predominantly awarded under open competition, she consistently engages with certified small businesses through targeted outreach and pre-solicitation market research. Her working style emphasizes transparency, rigorous source selection, and early vendor engagement to foster innovation and supply chain resilience. Squires demonstrates a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with 93.5% of her awards issued without set-aside restrictions. Nevertheless, she actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic goals. Her approach balances mission needs with federal mandates, ensuring that small business opportunities are pursued where feasible without compromising technical performance or schedule integrity. Her technical expertise is concentrated in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), where she manages acquisitions for naval vessel maintenance, modernization, and component integration. She also procures critical aerospace systems under 336412, including turbine engines and propulsion subsystems, alongside specialized industrial equipment under 333923 and 334513. This deep domain knowledge enables her to evaluate technical proposals with precision and negotiate contract terms that align performance metrics with operational requirements.