Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson serves as a Purchasing Agent for the Agricultural Research Service under the U.S. Department of Agriculture, where he plays a pivotal role in securing specialized equipment and technical services essential to the agency’s scientific mission. He manages the acquisition of analytical laboratory instrumentation, precision farming technologies, and biotechnology research inputs, ensuring that USDA-ARS field stations and laboratories have the tools necessary to advance crop science, livestock health, and sustainable agriculture research. His procurement activities directly support the agency’s strategic goals of modernizing research infrastructure and enhancing data-driven agricultural innovation. Robinson maintains a consistent working relationship with McKenzie Construction & Site Development LLC, a key vendor providing site preparation and facility support services critical to laboratory and field research infrastructure. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established contractors with proven technical capabilities in scientific facility development and maintenance, alongside a growing engagement with specialized suppliers of high-precision instrumentation. He prioritizes reliability, compliance, and technical alignment in vendor selection, fostering long-term partnerships that meet the rigorous demands of federal research environments. While the majority of his acquisitions fall under no set-aside category (75%), he actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (25%), aligning with FAR 19.5 guidelines. His approach reflects a balanced commitment to competitive sourcing and socioeconomic objectives, ensuring that qualified small businesses have meaningful access to opportunities in the agricultural research supply chain. His procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), reflecting his expertise in acquiring mass spectrometers, chromatography systems, and environmental sensors. He also routinely procures research services under NAICS 541714 (Biotechnology R&D) and facility maintenance under NAICS 811219, demonstrating deep familiarity with the technical requirements of agricultural biotechnology and laboratory operations. His domain expertise spans molecular diagnostics, soil analytics, and precision agriculture instrumentation, making him a critical link between scientific need and acquisition execution.