Rachel A. Zahn

Rachel A. Zahn serves as a Contracting Officer within the Public Buildings Service’s R5 Acquisition Management Division, where she manages the procurement of construction, renovation, and facility support services for federal buildings nationwide. Her role is central to advancing the agency’s mission of modernizing the federal infrastructure through strategic acquisitions of interior renovations, building systems upgrades, and mission-critical operational services. She oversees full lifecycle contract actions under FAR Part 36 and related authorities, ensuring compliance with federal building standards and sustainability requirements while delivering value-driven outcomes for federal stakeholders. Ms. Zahn maintains a consistent working relationship with MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC, a key contractor delivering complex construction and site development services. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and integrated project delivery models, fostering collaborative partnerships with vendors capable of executing high-quality, code-compliant facility improvements. She engages with a select group of experienced contractors who demonstrate proven capacity in federal facility environments, prioritizing reliability, safety, and adherence to GSA design standards. While 90% of her acquisitions are unrestricted, Ms. Zahn consistently allocates 10% of her portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding small business participation without relying on specialized socioeconomic programs like 8(a) or HUBZone. Her contracting patterns prioritize market readiness and capability over socioeconomic designations, aligning with the agency’s emphasis on mission-critical delivery. Her primary NAICS focus areas include 541990 (professional and technical services), 236220 (commercial and institutional construction), and 561790 (building services), indicating deep expertise in facility operations, renovation contracting, and integrated building systems support. She routinely procures services related to HVAC modernization, electrical and plumbing upgrades, janitorial support, and facility maintenance, demonstrating specialized knowledge in federal building infrastructure lifecycle management.