Rachel Khattab

Rachel Khattab serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions in scientific research, engineering, and industrial manufacturing domains. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing mission-critical capabilities through competitive, transparent contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily consists of sole-source and sealed-bid contracts for R&D services and specialized equipment, often requiring technical evaluation panels and performance-based statement of work development. Khattab’s acquisitions support advanced scientific infrastructure and precision manufacturing systems, requiring deep engagement with technical stakeholders to define clear requirements and measurable outcomes. Her contractor relationships are centered on firms with demonstrated expertise in physical and life sciences research, engineering design, and industrial furnace manufacturing. While no single vendor dominates her award history, she consistently engages with mid-sized and large businesses possessing niche technical capabilities in laboratory automation, process optimization, and high-temperature system integration. Her contracting approach emphasizes vendor qualifications, past performance, and technical feasibility over price alone, fostering long-term partnerships with suppliers capable of meeting stringent performance and compliance standards. Rachel Khattab maintains a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides. This reflects a strategic focus on accessing the broadest possible pool of qualified vendors capable of delivering high-complexity, mission-critical solutions. While she does not prioritize socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, her procurement decisions remain fully compliant with all applicable small business participation goals, ensuring equitable access for all eligible firms through open competition. Her primary NAICS focus lies in Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (541712 and 541715), where she procures contract research, prototype development, and analytical services. She also frequently acquires industrial process furnaces and ovens (333994), requiring deep technical knowledge of thermal systems, materials science, and regulatory standards. Her expertise spans both service-based R&D and capital equipment procurement, making her a key liaison between scientific users and industrial suppliers in high-precision manufacturing environments.