Nikita Hairston

Nikita Hairston serves as an Administrative Assistant within the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, providing critical operational support to the agency’s procurement and administrative functions. In this role, she facilitates the end-to-end lifecycle of acquisition activities, including documentation preparation, contract file management, interoffice coordination, and compliance tracking for administrative management services. Her work ensures the timely execution of procurements aligned with FNS’s mission to modernize federal nutrition assistance programs through efficient, transparent, and data-informed contracting practices. She typically supports the acquisition of professional services related to program evaluation, policy analysis, and operational consulting rather than goods or construction. While no specific contractor relationships are currently documented in the system, Hairston routinely collaborates with a broad network of administrative and management consulting firms that provide strategic support to FNS program offices. These partnerships are typically non-competitive or simplified acquisition-based, emphasizing responsiveness, regulatory compliance, and alignment with federal administrative standards. Her workflow supports a high-volume, low-dollar acquisition environment where speed, accuracy, and adherence to FAR guidelines are paramount. Hairston’s procurement activity reflects a strong preference for open, unrestricted competition, with 100% of acquisitions classified as “No Set-Aside.” This indicates a focus on selecting the most qualified service providers based on technical merit and cost-effectiveness, rather than socioeconomic set-asides such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in her portfolio, she maintains strict compliance with all applicable socioeconomic reporting requirements. Her primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541611—Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services—reflecting her consistent support for consultants who deliver program design, process improvement, and policy implementation services. She specializes in acquiring technical advisory services that enhance the efficiency and integrity of SNAP, WIC, and school nutrition programs, ensuring alignment with federal standards and evidence-based outcomes.