Michael Sherlock

Michael Sherlock serves as the primary procurement lead for the USDA Agricultural Research Service’s Agricultural Research Facility Management and Procurement Division, where he oversees the acquisition of mission-critical laboratory instrumentation, facility infrastructure, and specialized research support services. His role is central to enabling high-throughput biological and environmental research by securing state-of-the-art analytical equipment and ensuring the operational readiness of research facilities. He manages complex procurements under FAR Part 15, frequently utilizing competitive negotiated contracts for scientific hardware, facility modernization, and technical maintenance services essential to food security and sustainable agriculture innovation. Sherlock maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of specialized vendors, including Germfree Laboratories, LLC for controlled-environment research facilities; Georgia Commercial and Residential Elevator, LLC for vertical transportation systems in laboratory buildings; and Gold Wave Inc and J’s Associates, LLC for precision instrumentation and facility integration services. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical expertise, compliance with biosafety standards, and proven performance in high-stakes research environments. He demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity in contracting, with 68.2% of his acquisitions set aside for small businesses under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to prioritize small business participation across multiple categories, fostering innovation through agile, niche suppliers while maintaining rigorous performance standards. His contracting patterns consistently align with the agency’s goal of expanding access to federal research funding for underserved entrepreneurs. His procurement focus is concentrated in NAICS 334516 for analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, followed by commercial building construction (236220) and HVAC/electrical systems (238220, 238210). He specializes in acquiring mass spectrometers, environmental control systems, and integrated facility upgrades that support advanced agricultural science, demonstrating deep technical fluency in laboratory infrastructure and research equipment procurement.