Nicole Bennett

Nicole Bennett serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements validation and market research through solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract administration. She plays a critical role in advancing her agency’s mission by ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and promoting transparent, competitive procurement practices. Her portfolio is exclusively focused on research and development services within the physical, engineering, and life sciences domains, where she leverages technical expertise to evaluate complex scientific proposals and ensure alignment with federal R&D objectives. Her acquisitions typically involve analytical services, laboratory support, modeling and simulation, and specialized engineering studies. While specific contractor names are not available, Nicole maintains a robust network of vendors specializing in scientific R&D, including academic research institutions, nonprofit research organizations, and small businesses with deep technical capabilities in engineering and life sciences. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and clear statement of work development to ensure deliverables meet rigorous scientific and technical standards. She fosters collaborative relationships with vendors to promote innovation and ensure timely, high-quality outcomes. Nicole demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 66.7% of her awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for small businesses in the scientific and technical services sector, ensuring diverse participation in federally funded R&D. Her consistent use of small business set-asides underscores a dedication to fostering innovation through entrepreneurship and broadening the pool of qualified federal contractors. Her primary focus is on NAICS 541712, encompassing research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. She procures a wide array of technical services including experimental design, data analysis, prototype development, and scientific consulting, often requiring specialized certifications or subject matter expertise. Her domain knowledge ensures that acquisitions support cutting-edge scientific advancement while adhering to federal compliance and accountability standards.