Mario A. Tijerina

Mario A. Tijerina serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex procurement actions aligned with federal acquisition regulations and agency mission objectives. He specializes in the planning, solicitation, award, and administration of contracts for scientific and technical services, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements and sound fiscal stewardship. His portfolio primarily encompasses research and development initiatives in physical, engineering, and life sciences, alongside limited hospitality-related support services. Tijerina works closely with technical stakeholders to define requirements, evaluate proposals, and negotiate terms that balance innovation, cost-effectiveness, and performance accountability across the acquisition lifecycle. Tijerina maintains a broad network of vendors across the scientific services sector, engaging both large prime contractors and small businesses capable of delivering specialized R&D capabilities. While no single contractor dominates his award profile, his procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms possessing proven expertise in laboratory support, data analytics, engineering modeling, and technical consulting. His working relationships are characterized by transparency, rigorous evaluation, and a focus on technical merit over sole-source reliance, fostering competitive environments that promote quality and innovation. Tijerina’s contracting approach is notably non-set-aside, with 100% of his awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on maximizing market participation and selecting the most technically qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status. While he does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his processes remain fully compliant with small business outreach and subcontracting goals, ensuring equitable opportunity without artificial constraints. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712, where he acquires advanced research services including experimental design, prototyping, and technical analysis across physical and life sciences domains. He also occasionally procures lodging services under NAICS 721110 to support temporary personnel assignments. Tijerina’s expertise centers on high-technical-content contracts requiring deep subject matter knowledge, stringent performance metrics, and rigorous oversight to ensure scientific integrity and mission success.