Patrice Abner

Patrice Abner serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions, from requirement analysis and market research to contract award and administration. With a focused mandate on non-traditional and creative services, Abner plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission through strategic acquisition planning and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) standards. Their portfolio primarily consists of services related to artistic, literary, and performance-based engagements, ensuring that procurement practices align with both operational needs and socioeconomic objectives. Abner maintains a collaborative relationship with a diverse pool of independent contractors, including freelance artists, writers, performers, and creative consultants, many of whom operate as sole proprietors or micro-businesses. While no single contractor dominates the award profile, the contracting pattern reflects a preference for agile, project-based engagements with individuals and small creative entities capable of delivering specialized, non-repetitive services. These partnerships are typically structured under simplified acquisition procedures and are often awarded through micro-purchase thresholds or indefinite-delivery contracts. A strong commitment to small business participation defines Abner’s socioeconomic contracting approach, with 66.7% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to expand economic opportunity for small businesses in the creative sector, prioritizing eligibility under the Small Business Administration’s definitions without reliance on specific programs like 8(a) or HUBZone. The consistent use of set-asides demonstrates a proactive effort to foster inclusion and diversity in the federal contracting ecosystem. Abner’s procurement expertise centers exclusively on NAICS code 711510, which encompasses independent artists, writers, and performers. This specialization involves acquiring services such as original content creation, public performances, literary commissions, and cultural programming. Their technical domain expertise lies in evaluating creative deliverables, managing intellectual property rights, and ensuring compliance with performance-based contract requirements in a non-tangible, output-driven environment.