Paige C. Francis

Paige C. Francis serves as a Purchasing Agent within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, Procurement and Workforce Administration office, where she plays a pivotal role in securing critical infrastructure and scientific support services essential to national agricultural research. Her acquisitions directly enable the operation and modernization of laboratory facilities, environmental control systems, and field research infrastructure. She manages a diverse portfolio of procurement actions, including complex contracts for analytical instrumentation, HVAC systems, and specialized construction services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and alignment with ARS’s mission to advance scientific innovation through reliable, high-performance environments. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Paige cultivates strategic partnerships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including certified small businesses, technical specialty firms, and qualified contractors with demonstrated expertise in laboratory-grade equipment and facility systems. Her procurement approach emphasizes vendor reliability, technical capability, and adherence to federal standards, fostering long-term relationships with suppliers capable of delivering mission-critical solutions under stringent scientific and operational requirements. Paige demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with over 57% of her acquisitions designated as Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She consistently prioritizes opportunities for small businesses, including those certified under 8(a), HUBZone, and WOSB programs, aligning with USDA’s broader goals to expand equitable access to federal contracting. Her pattern of award distribution reflects a deliberate strategy to build a resilient, diverse supplier base capable of supporting the agency’s evolving research needs. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS categories including 334516 for analytical laboratory instruments, 423730 for HVAC equipment wholesaling, and 238220 for heating and air-conditioning contractors, with additional emphasis on electrical and paving services for research site maintenance. This technical specialization underscores her expertise in procuring mission-critical systems that sustain the operational integrity of USDA’s scientific infrastructure.