Rhonda Talbert

Rhonda M. Talbert serves as a Purchasing Agent for the U.S. Census Bureau, where she plays a critical role in executing procurement strategies that support the agency’s mission to modernize data collection and dissemination systems. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions centered on information technology services, analytical tools, and digital infrastructure essential to the 2030 Decennial Census and ongoing survey operations. Her responsibilities include soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts in compliance with federal acquisition regulations, ensuring alignment with the Bureau’s strategic goals of data accuracy, cybersecurity, and operational efficiency. Talbert collaborates with a broad spectrum of vendors, including specialized IT service providers, data analytics firms, and software developers, to deliver mission-critical solutions. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her contracting patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms offering custom programming, cloud-based data processing, and professional technical services. She fosters collaborative relationships with both large and small businesses, emphasizing responsiveness, technical capability, and compliance with federal standards. Her procurement approach demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over 32% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and a modest but deliberate allocation to 8(a) competed contracts. This reflects a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity while ensuring access to innovative, agile solutions. Her set-aside preferences align with the Census Bureau’s broader socioeconomic goals, prioritizing small businesses that bring specialized expertise in data systems and digital transformation. Talbert’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), with significant activity in computing infrastructure and custom software development. She routinely acquires services related to geospatial data processing, survey platform development, and secure data hosting—domains critical to the Bureau’s digital modernization agenda. Her expertise spans the full lifecycle of technology-driven acquisitions, ensuring the Census Bureau remains at the forefront of national data collection.