Randal Barnett

Randal Barnett serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service, Office of Acquisition and Procurement, where he facilitates mission-critical acquisitions to sustain scientific infrastructure at federal research facilities. His responsibilities include managing the acquisition of specialized construction and facility systems essential to maintaining precision environmental controls, laboratory instrumentation support, and operational resilience at field stations. He oversees contracts that enable data-driven agricultural research by ensuring the integrity and functionality of research environments, with a focus on compliance, technical specificity, and mission alignment. Barnett maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors specializing in mission-critical facility upgrades, including Mckenzie Construction & Site Development LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and L1 Enterprises Incorporated. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in complex, regulated environments, particularly those capable of integrating HVAC systems, electrical infrastructure, and site preparation under stringent scientific operational standards. His contracting approach emphasizes reliability, technical compliance, and performance-based outcomes over low-bid procurement. His procurement portfolio demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 92.9% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster economic inclusion and cultivate a pipeline of qualified small contractors capable of delivering high-precision construction and systems integration services to federal research facilities. He consistently prioritizes socioeconomic programs that enhance competition and innovation among small, locally-based firms. Barnett’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors), followed by 238990 (All Other Specialty Trade Contractors) and 238210 (Electrical Contractors). He routinely acquires advanced climate control systems, electrical upgrades, and integrated building equipment essential for maintaining controlled environments in agricultural research labs and field sites. His technical expertise centers on facility systems that support precision agriculture, environmental monitoring, and long-term research continuity.