Mark Jesten

Mark Jesten serves as a key procurement lead within the Detention Compliance and Removals unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, overseeing the acquisition of mission-critical services that support the safe, secure, and compliant detention and removal of individuals under immigration enforcement. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of contracts for facilities support, detainee transportation, and health-related services, ensuring alignment with DHS operational standards and federal acquisition regulations. He plays a central role in translating agency priorities into actionable contracting strategies that uphold accountability, efficiency, and compliance across the detention infrastructure. Jesten maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of primary contractors, including B.I. Incorporated, Acentra Health LLC, and Ardent Group, LLC, which provide facilities operations, medical support, and logistical coordination services. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in reliability and regulatory adherence. These relationships are cultivated through structured solicitation processes and rigorous contractor performance evaluations to ensure service quality and mission readiness. His contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of awards issued under the 8(a) program, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to small business participation. The majority of procurements remain open to full and open competition, but he actively prioritizes 8(a) competed set-asides to expand opportunities for disadvantaged businesses while maintaining operational integrity. Jesten’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 561210 (Facilities Support Services), encompassing detention center maintenance, security staffing, and operational logistics. He also regularly acquires services under NAICS 541820 (Public Relations Agencies) for public communication and NAICS 485510 (Charter Bus Industry) for secure detainee transportation. His technical expertise centers on integrated detention operations, with deep familiarity in compliance-driven service delivery within high-security federal environments.