Monica Razo- Shepherd

Monica Razo-Shepherd serves as a key procurement lead within NASA’s IT Procurement Office (80TECH), where she manages complex acquisitions of mission-critical information technology and scientific instrumentation to support aerospace research and spacecraft systems development. Her work directly enables the agency’s mission to advance cutting-edge space exploration by securing high-performance computing solutions, precision measurement devices, and specialized engineering services. She routinely handles full lifecycle procurements for electronic computer manufacturing and analytical laboratory instrumentation, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning technical requirements with NASA’s strategic goals in scientific data analysis and real-time mission support. She maintains consistent contracting relationships with ZWICKROELL, LP and ABSOLUTE EMC LLC, both recognized for their expertise in high-precision test equipment and embedded systems engineering. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in ruggedized instrumentation, data acquisition systems, and industrial-grade computing hardware. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical rigor, performance-based outcomes, and long-term vendor reliability over transactional sourcing, fostering collaborative relationships grounded in technical alignment and regulatory compliance. Razo-Shepherd’s portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside contracting strategy, indicating a focus on technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her acquisition portfolio, her decisions are driven by the need for specialized, high-reliability solutions that meet NASA’s stringent performance and safety standards for spaceflight and scientific applications. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing) and 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), where she secures custom-built data acquisition systems, high-speed signal processors, and laboratory-grade sensors critical to mission-critical research. Her domain expertise spans embedded systems, real-time data pipelines, and instrumentation for extreme-environment testing, making her a pivotal figure in securing the technological backbone of NASA’s scientific missions.