Marlene Kratz

Marlene Kratz serves as a Contract Officer within the Contracting and Procurement office of the Transportation Security Administration under the Department of Homeland Security, where she plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical capabilities that enhance aviation and transit security infrastructure. She manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions—including solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract administration—for advanced detection systems, cybersecurity services, and operational support technologies. Her portfolio primarily encompasses security guard and patrol services, specialized IT and computer-related services, and communications equipment procurement, aligning directly with TSA’s mandate to modernize and safeguard the nation’s transportation networks through innovative and reliable solutions. While no specific contractor relationships are publicly identifiable, Kratz routinely engages with a diverse pool of vendors, including prime contractors specializing in physical security operations, cybersecurity platforms, and telecommunications hardware manufacturers. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations, fostering collaborative partnerships with both large-capacity suppliers and agile small businesses capable of delivering rapid, mission-responsive solutions. Kratz’s procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 90.5% of her awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, she consistently supports small business participation, with 9.5% of contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides per FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both efficiency and socioeconomic goals without prioritizing specific programs like 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB. Her primary industry focus centers on NAICS 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services), which constitutes nearly half of her portfolio, followed by 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting deep expertise in integrated security operations and IT support. She also routinely procures specialized equipment under NAICS 334210 and 334220, indicating technical proficiency in wireless communications and detection system hardware, underscoring her command of both service and product-based acquisition domains within high-consequence transportation security environments.