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Robin Denise Gates

Contracting Officer

Robin Denise Gates is a Contracting Officer. Robin is associated with 68 contracts. Activity spans Engineering Services, Testing Laboratories and Services, and Parking Lots and Garages.

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Contracting officer information and contact details

Robin Denise Gates

Contracting Officer

contact@example.gov

Phone

+1 (555) 000-0000

Last seen

May 27, 2025

Most recent solicitation activity

Role Type

Contracting officer

Colleagues

The 20 contacts who most often appear on the same solicitations as Robin Denise Gates, out of 22 who share at least one. Expand any row to see the shared solicitations.

Showing the top 20 of 22 colleagues

Ajmal KhanContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Ajmal Khan serves as a Contract Specialist within the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation (693JK4 OST), supporting high-priority administrative, security, and IT infrastructure acquisitions critical to federal transportation leadership. In this role, he manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with FAR guidelines and agency strategic priorities. His portfolio primarily supports mission-critical services that enhance the security, efficiency, and technological resilience of the Secretary’s headquarters operations, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity, physical security systems, and workforce development solutions. While specific contractor relationships are not currently identifiable in available data, Khan’s procurement patterns reflect a balanced engagement with both large-capacity service providers and small business vendors. He routinely collaborates with firms offering specialized consulting, training, and infrastructure support services, fostering partnerships grounded in compliance, performance accountability, and competitive fairness. His approach emphasizes transparency and regulatory adherence, ensuring that all acquisitions meet federal standards while advancing operational readiness. Khan’s set-aside preferences show a predominant focus on open competition, with 82.3% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. However, he maintains a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic programs, allocating 11.8% to total small business set-asides and 5.9% to 8(a) competed contracts. This balance reflects a strategic effort to promote broad market participation while ensuring mission-critical needs are met through robust competition. His primary NAICS focus areas include Parking Lots and Garages (25.0%), Transit and Ground Passenger Transportation (16.7%), Professional and Management Development Training (8.3%), and Other Management Consulting Services (8.3%). These reflect a specialized procurement domain centered on facility operations, transportation support services, and leadership capacity-building—underscoring his expertise in procuring integrated, mission-enabling solutions for federal executive leadership.

Omari A. Fennell serves as a key procurement professional within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Acquisition, supporting the agency’s mission to enhance road safety through evidence-based technology and regulatory innovation. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions in engineering, technical services, and testing, Fennell ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing NHTSA’s priorities in vehicle safety systems, behavioral research, and data-driven policy development. Their portfolio primarily encompasses professional, scientific, and technical services, with a strong emphasis on custom software development, laboratory testing, and engineering support critical to evaluating emerging automotive technologies and safety standards. Fennell maintains consistent contracting relationships with specialized vendors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, reflecting a preference for firms with expertise in safety analytics, systems integration, and public outreach infrastructure. These partnerships are typically structured through competed procurements that prioritize technical capability, past performance, and compliance with federal standards, indicating a focus on mission-critical, high-integrity service delivery rather than commodity procurement. Set-aside preferences reveal a predominantly open competition environment, with 79% of acquisitions conducted without socioeconomic set-asides. However, Fennell demonstrates active support for small business participation, allocating 15.8% of awards to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and 5.3% to 8(a) competed contracts, aligning with NHTSA’s broader goals of fostering innovation through diverse vendor engagement. The procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), and 541990 (Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), reflecting deep expertise in software development for safety modeling, independent vehicle performance testing, and applied engineering research. Additional focus on 334519 and 541330 underscores technical proficiency in acquiring precision measurement systems and engineering consulting services essential to regulatory compliance and safety innovation.

693JJ9 Nhtsa Office Of Acquistion

Robin L. Hobbs serves as a key procurement professional within the Federal Highway Administration’s 693JJ3 Acquisition and Grants Management unit, overseeing the acquisition of technical services critical to advancing national transportation infrastructure. Responsible for managing complex contracting actions, Hobbs specializes in securing engineering analyses, transportation research, and operational consulting services that inform highway design, safety enhancements, and system resilience. Their work directly supports the agency’s mission to drive data-informed decision-making through evidence-based solutions, ensuring federal funds are effectively leveraged to modernize the nation’s roadways. Hobbs maintains strategic relationships with leading technical providers, including K & M Transportation Services LLC and the University of California, Los Angeles, reflecting a balanced approach to partnering with both private-sector engineering firms and academic research institutions. These collaborations are typically structured through competitive procurements under performance-based contract vehicles, emphasizing technical excellence, innovation, and measurable outcomes. The working relationships are characterized by long-term engagement on multi-year research and development initiatives, often involving technical specifications aligned with FHWA’s strategic priorities. Set-aside preferences are heavily skewed toward open competition, with 92.5% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. However, Hobbs consistently integrates small business participation, with approximately 4.3% of awards designated as total small business set-asides and an additional 2.1% reserved for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses. While 8(a) competed awards are less frequent, the overall pattern demonstrates a deliberate, albeit selective, commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals within a predominantly open procurement environment. The primary technical focus lies in engineering services (NAICS 541330) and physical sciences research (NAICS 541712), with significant activity in testing laboratories and analytical instrumentation. Hobbs routinely procures specialized services including traffic modeling, pavement analysis, structural evaluation, and laboratory testing to support infrastructure lifecycle management, reflecting deep domain expertise in transportation engineering and applied research.

693JJ3 Acquisition And Grants Mgt

Sherese A. GraySecondary

Contract Specialist

Sherese A. Gray serves as a Contract Specialist within the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Acquisition, where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions centered on research, engineering analysis, and behavioral science services, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and alignment with NHTSA’s data-driven policy objectives. Her work supports critical programs in vehicle safety technology, fuel efficiency standards, and public safety communication campaigns, primarily through competitive solicitation processes under the FAR. Gray maintains established relationships with key contractors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, reflecting her focus on partnerships with firms capable of delivering technical research, engineering support, and program management services. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a preference for experienced vendors with demonstrated expertise in social science research, administrative consulting, and independent testing services, often leveraging task-order and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity mechanisms to ensure agility in responding to evolving safety priorities. Her procurement approach prioritizes open competition, with 81.4% of her awards issued without set-aside designations, while maintaining a meaningful commitment to small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (14.3%) and 8(a) competed awards (2.9%). She actively integrates Women-Owned Small Businesses into the acquisition stream, reflecting a balanced strategy that promotes competition while expanding opportunities for socioeconomically disadvantaged firms. Gray’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541720 (social sciences and humanities research) and 541611 (management consulting), underscoring her specialization in behavioral studies, policy analysis, and program evaluation services. She also routinely procures testing and laboratory services (541380) and advertising support (541810), demonstrating expertise in multidisciplinary acquisitions that bridge technical research with public outreach and regulatory compliance.

Abdul Qader Latifi supports the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation in executing strategic procurement initiatives critical to the secure and efficient operation of federal transportation leadership. Though his formal title is not specified, his role centers on managing acquisitions that uphold the agency’s mission to modernize cybersecurity, physical security, and administrative infrastructure. He handles complex service-based contracts requiring high-level coordination, often involving consulting, operational support, and mission-critical systems integration aligned with the Secretary’s office priorities. His work ensures that procurement activities directly enable secure, technologically advanced, and compliant operations at the highest levels of the Department of Transportation. Latifi engages with a diverse range of contractors, primarily in administrative management consulting and specialized support services. While no specific vendor relationships are currently documented, his contracting patterns suggest consistent collaboration with firms capable of delivering high-integrity, policy-aligned services—ranging from strategic planning and governance support to IT infrastructure modernization. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, risk mitigation, and compliance with federal acquisition regulations, fostering partnerships with vendors who can operate within the stringent security and confidentiality requirements of executive-level government operations. His set-aside preferences reflect a balanced commitment to socioeconomic programs, with the majority of acquisitions (66.7%) conducted as open, non-set-aside competitions, while 11.1% are designated for HUBZone and 8(a) small businesses, and an additional 11.1% reserved under total small business set-asides. This pattern demonstrates a deliberate effort to maintain competitive openness while actively promoting participation from disadvantaged and underserved small businesses, consistent with FAR objectives for equitable opportunity. Latifi’s procurement focus is heavily concentrated in NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services), indicating a strong emphasis on strategic advisory and operational efficiency services. Secondary categories include services for the elderly and persons with disabilities, miscellaneous ambulatory health care, and parking facility management—reflecting a broad, cross-functional portfolio that supports both administrative and mission-enabling functions within the Secretary’s headquarters. His expertise lies in integrating diverse service domains to sustain secure, high-performing federal leadership operations.

Lionel JohnsonContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Lionel Johnson serves as a Contract Specialist within the 693JJ9 Office of Acquisition at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, where he plays a critical role in executing procurement strategies that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. He manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions for technical and scientific services, with a focus on engineering research, vehicle safety technology development, and behavioral analysis programs. His work directly supports regulatory decision-making by ensuring timely, compliant, and cost-effective procurement of high-value technical services aligned with NHTSA’s data-driven policy objectives. Lionel maintains active contracting relationships with key vendors including AMD INTERNATIONAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC, AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, and the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF ESEA STATE PROGRAM ADMINISTRATORS. These partnerships reflect a pattern of engagement with firms specializing in advanced engineering, testing, and technical consulting services essential to vehicle safety innovation. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables, fostering long-term collaboration with vendors capable of delivering specialized technical expertise under strict federal compliance standards. His procurement portfolio reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with approximately 61.5% of awards issued under no set-aside, while actively promoting small business participation through 8(a) competed contracts (23.1%) and targeted set-asides for Women-Owned Small Businesses and Total Small Business concerns (7.7% each). This pattern demonstrates a strategic alignment with FAR 19.5 and 8(a) program objectives, ensuring equitable access while maintaining technical rigor in high-stakes safety acquisitions. Lionel’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), and 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services), reflecting his specialization in acquiring advanced vehicle safety research, crash simulation testing, and regulatory compliance analysis. He routinely procures services supporting the development of automated driving systems, fuel efficiency standards, and public safety communication campaigns, underscoring his deep technical understanding of automotive engineering and behavioral science domains.

693JJ9 Nhtsa Office Of Acquistion

Donald K. ThorndykeContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Donald K. Thorndyke serves as a Contract Specialist within the NHTSA Office of Acquisition, where he plays a pivotal role in executing procurement strategies that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. He manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions, primarily focused on research and development, engineering instrumentation, and vehicle safety technology procurement. His work directly supports regulatory decision-making by securing technical services and specialized equipment critical to behavioral research, crash data analysis, and emerging vehicle safety systems. Thorndyke maintains consistent contracting relationships with key vendors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators. These partnerships reflect a focus on firms capable of delivering advanced engineering solutions, data collection systems, and public outreach infrastructure. His procurement approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and technical compliance, ensuring deliverables align with NHTSA’s scientific and regulatory standards. While the majority of his acquisitions are conducted without set-asides—reflecting a preference for open competition—he actively supports small business participation, with approximately 20% of his portfolio designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This demonstrates a deliberate effort to foster innovation and diversity in the supplier base, particularly among firms with demonstrated expertise in technical and scientific services. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 541712 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), 334515 and 334519 (specialized measuring and control instrumentation), and 441110 (new car dealers), indicating a unique blend of scientific research, hardware procurement, and automotive industry engagement. Thorndyke’s expertise lies in acquiring high-precision testing equipment, vehicle safety evaluation systems, and behavioral study tools that inform federal motor vehicle safety standards and public awareness campaigns.

693JJ9 Nhtsa Office Of Acquistion

Chynita PernellProgram analyst

Program Analyst

Chynita Pernell serves as a Program Analyst within the 693JK4 Ost office of the Department of Transportation, supporting the Office of the Secretary in advancing secure, technology-driven administrative and operational capabilities. In this role, she plays a pivotal part in shaping acquisition strategy for mission-critical IT and management services that underpin federal transportation leadership. Her responsibilities include evaluating requirements, coordinating acquisition planning, and ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations for complex, high-priority contracts. She typically handles service-based acquisitions focused on cybersecurity infrastructure, IT modernization, and executive-level administrative support, bridging technical needs with strategic procurement objectives to ensure alignment with departmental priorities. While specific contractor names are not publicly identifiable, Pernell’s procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms specializing in custom software development and strategic management consulting. She collaborates with a mix of large-tier IT integrators and specialized small businesses, fostering vendor partnerships that emphasize innovation, compliance, and mission adaptability. Her working relationships are characterized by structured competition, rigorous performance evaluation, and a preference for vendors with proven expertise in federal IT environments and secure systems integration. Pernell demonstrates a balanced but strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 8(a) competed set-asides accounting for half of her acquisition portfolio and the remainder open to full and open competition. This pattern signals a deliberate effort to integrate certified small disadvantaged businesses into high-impact contracts while maintaining competitive rigor. Her approach supports the agency’s broader goals of equitable opportunity and diverse supplier engagement without compromising mission performance. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting), reflecting deep expertise in software development for secure federal systems and strategic operational consulting. She routinely procures tailored applications for cybersecurity defense, workflow automation, and executive support systems, demonstrating technical fluency in federal IT modernization and enterprise service delivery.

Steven BuddSmall business specialist

Small Business Specialist

Steven Budd serves as a Contract Specialist within the 693JK4 Ost office of the Department of Transportation, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurements that support the Secretary’s office and federal transportation leadership. His responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of acquisitions for professional, scientific, and technical services essential to secure IT infrastructure, cybersecurity modernization, and administrative operations. He ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contract strategies with the agency’s priorities in technology resilience and workforce enablement. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex service-based contracts requiring technical expertise and risk-managed sourcing approaches. Steven’s contractor relationships are centered on high-caliber professional services firms specializing in custom software development, IT facilities management, and mission-critical technical consulting. While no single contractor dominates his award portfolio, he consistently engages with vendors possessing deep expertise in federal IT environments, including firms certified under 8(a), GSA schedules, and other qualified status programs. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for competitive, performance-based contracting with an emphasis on vendor capability over price alone, fostering long-term partnerships built on technical reliability and regulatory compliance. His set-aside preferences reveal a strong orientation toward open competition, with 93.8% of his acquisitions conducted without socioeconomic set-asides. However, he maintains a deliberate and compliant engagement with small business programs, particularly 8(a) competed contracts, which account for 6.3% of his portfolio. This reflects a balanced approach—prioritizing mission effectiveness while fulfilling statutory obligations to promote small business participation in high-value, technically demanding procurements. Steven’s primary NAICS focus areas include 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), and 541513 (Computer Facilities Management Services), underscoring his specialization in IT modernization, systems integration, and secure infrastructure support. He routinely procures services related to cybersecurity architecture, data center operations, and mission-critical software development, demonstrating deep domain expertise in federal IT operations and administrative technology enablement.

YukiaSenior contract specialist

Senior Contract Specialist

Yukia serves as a Contract Specialist within the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation (693JK4 OST), where they play a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support secure, efficient, and technologically advanced federal transportation leadership operations. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—Yukia ensures alignment with strategic priorities in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and administrative modernization. Their portfolio primarily encompasses complex, high-stakes contracts requiring strict compliance with federal acquisition regulations and interagency coordination, often involving sensitive operational systems supporting the Secretary’s headquarters. Yukia maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including leading software publishers, computing infrastructure providers, and management consulting firms. While no single contractor dominates their portfolio, they consistently engage with firms possessing proven expertise in secure cloud environments, enterprise software solutions, and strategic advisory services. Their contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous evaluation criteria, and vendor accountability, fostering long-term partnerships built on technical capability and regulatory compliance. Yukia’s procurement strategy reflects a strong preference for open competition, with 100% of awards issued under non-set-aside conditions. This indicates a focus on selecting the most qualified offerors based on technical merit and value, rather than socioeconomic classifications. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through set-asides, Yukia remains committed to fair and transparent competition that enables all eligible firms to compete on an equal footing. Their primary industry focus centers on NAICS 513210 (Software Publishers), 518210 (Computing Infrastructure Providers), 541611 (Management Consulting), and 511210 (Publishing Services), reflecting a deep specialization in enterprise software, data center services, cybersecurity-enabled platforms, and strategic administrative support. Yukia’s expertise lies in procuring mission-critical digital solutions that enhance the operational resilience and technological posture of high-level federal transportation leadership.

Jacqueline M. HowardContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Jacqueline M. Howard serves as a Contract Specialist within the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation (693JK4), where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support the secure and efficient operations of federal transportation leadership. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of procurement activities—from requirements definition and market research to contract award and administration—for high-priority administrative, cybersecurity, and IT infrastructure services. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contracting strategies with the agency’s strategic priorities in modernizing physical and digital security systems. Howard typically handles complex service-based acquisitions requiring technical expertise in information assurance, facility operations, and specialized support services for executive-level operations. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Howard maintains a vendor ecosystem composed of qualified firms capable of delivering secure, scalable, and compliant solutions for sensitive government environments. Her working relationships emphasize reliability, regulatory adherence, and technical proficiency, often engaging vendors with proven experience in federal IT modernization, cybersecurity compliance, and administrative support services. She fosters collaborative procurement practices that prioritize performance-based outcomes and continuous contractor accountability. Howard’s contracting portfolio reflects a 100% preference for non-set-aside awards, indicating a focus on open competition and broad market access rather than socioeconomic set-asides. This approach underscores a strategic emphasis on selecting the most technically capable and cost-effective solutions, regardless of vendor size or certification status, while still maintaining full compliance with all applicable socioeconomic statutes. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 624120 (Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities) and NAICS 621511 (Medical Laboratories), suggesting a unique alignment with health and human services infrastructure supporting internal agency personnel and potentially secure medical support functions for transportation leadership. This specialization indicates deep expertise in procuring clinical, diagnostic, and social support services tailored to high-security, mission-essential environments.

Reba DyerPoint of contact

Contracting Officer No questions are accepted at this time.

Sheronda Jones serves as a Contract Specialist within the Office of Acquisition at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. She manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions centered on professional, scientific, and technical services, including engineering studies, behavioral research, and testing laboratory services. Her work directly supports NHTSA’s regulatory development, safety technology evaluation, and public communication programs by ensuring timely, compliant, and strategically aligned contract awards that align with federal acquisition regulations. Jones maintains strong, ongoing relationships with key contractors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, reflecting a preference for vendors with deep expertise in transportation safety analysis, systems engineering, and public outreach research. Her contracting patterns demonstrate consistent collaboration with firms capable of delivering high-quality, data-driven technical support, often requiring specialized knowledge in vehicle safety standards and human factors research. Her procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 90% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, while maintaining a modest but intentional commitment to small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (5%), 8(a) competed awards (2.5%), and Women-Owned Small Business set-asides (2.5%). This balanced approach ensures broad market access while supporting socioeconomic goals. Jones’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541380 (Testing Laboratories and Services), 541330 (Engineering Services), and 541910 (Marketing Research and Public Opinion Polling), reflecting her specialization in procuring technical evaluations, safety performance testing, and public perception studies critical to shaping federal motor vehicle safety standards and behavioral interventions.

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46Contracts

Courtney SmithPrimary

Courtney Smith serves as a procurement specialist responsible for managing acquisition activities centered on general warehousing and storage services. Within the agency’s logistics and supply chain operations, Smith ensures the timely and compliant procurement of critical storage infrastructure, including facility rentals, inventory management systems, and transportation-related warehousing support. Their role is integral to maintaining operational readiness by securing reliable, scalable storage solutions that align with federal standards for security, efficiency, and sustainability. Smith typically handles sole-source and competitive sealed-bid contracts under simplified acquisition procedures, with a focus on performance-based service contracts that emphasize outcome-driven deliverables and vendor accountability. Smith’s contractor relationships are primarily with firms specializing in commercial warehousing, cold chain logistics, and automated storage technologies. While no single vendor dominates the award profile, the procurement pattern reflects a preference for established service providers with proven track records in federal compliance, ISO-certified operations, and nationwide facility networks. Engagement is typically structured through indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts and basic ordering agreements, allowing for flexible response to fluctuating storage demands across multiple geographic locations. Smith’s contracting approach is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of procurements conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on maximizing market participation and selecting vendors based on technical capability, cost-effectiveness, and operational reliability rather than socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is not formally incentivized through set-asides, the open competition framework still enables qualified small and mid-sized enterprises to compete on an equal footing. The sole NAICS focus area, 493110 (General Warehousing and Storage), underscores Smith’s deep specialization in logistics infrastructure procurement. This includes the acquisition of bulk storage facilities, climate-controlled units, material handling equipment, and integrated inventory tracking systems. Expertise lies in evaluating facility security protocols, storage capacity scalability, and compliance with federal property management regulations, ensuring that all contracted services meet mission-critical operational requirements.

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6Contracts

Pamala D. Millbrook-YoungContracting officer

Contracting Officer

Pamala D. Millbrook-Young supports the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation in executing mission-critical procurement activities that enable secure, efficient, and technologically advanced operations for federal transportation leadership. While her formal title is not publicly designated, her role centers on managing acquisitions for IT infrastructure, cybersecurity systems, and administrative support services critical to the Secretary’s headquarters operations. She oversees a diverse portfolio of contracts aligned with modernization priorities, including cloud-enabled platforms, physical security enhancements, and workforce technology solutions, ensuring alignment with federal procurement regulations and strategic objectives. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach to vendor engagement, with the majority of acquisitions conducted under open competition (66.7%), while maintaining a deliberate focus on small business inclusion. Approximately 25% of her awards are structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and 8.3% are competed under the 8(a) program, demonstrating a commitment to fostering equitable access for disadvantaged and socially and economically disadvantaged firms. She engages with a broad spectrum of vendors, from established systems integrators to niche small businesses specializing in secure IT environments and transit technology. Her primary NAICS focus includes Other Computer Related Services (541519) and Computer Facilities Management Services (541513), indicating deep expertise in managed IT operations and cybersecurity support. She also procures Mixed Mode Transit Systems (485111) and Computer Peripheral Equipment (334118), reflecting a technical domain that spans both digital infrastructure and physical transportation systems integration. Her procurement strategy emphasizes interoperability, resilience, and compliance with federal cybersecurity standards, positioning her as a key enabler of secure, next-generation operations within the Department of Transportation’s highest leadership office.

Shonta D DawkinsContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Shonta D. Dawkins serves as a Contract Specialist within the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation (693JK4), where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support the secure and efficient operations of federal transportation leadership. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of contract actions—from market research and solicitation development to award administration and contract closeout—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and agency-specific policies. She specializes in procuring high-priority services that underpin the Secretary’s office, including cybersecurity infrastructure, physical security systems, and administrative support solutions essential to headquarters operations. While specific contractor relationships are not currently identifiable in available data, Dawkins engages with a broad spectrum of vendors capable of delivering technical and facility-based services aligned with the agency’s strategic priorities. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and rigorous source selection processes to ensure quality and accountability across all procurements. Dawkins maintains a strong preference for non-set-aside acquisitions, with 100% of her awarded contracts proceeding under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on maximizing market participation and selecting the most capable providers based on technical merit and value, rather than socioeconomic designations. While small business set-asides are not currently utilized, her processes remain fully compliant with all applicable socioeconomic regulations. Her primary procurement focus centers on two NAICS categories: 541310 (Architectural Services) and 812930 (Parking Lots and Garages), indicating a dual emphasis on facility design and infrastructure management. She routinely oversees contracts for building modernization, security system integration, and grounds maintenance services critical to the operational readiness of the Secretary’s headquarters. Her technical expertise lies at the intersection of federal facility management and secure administrative environments.

Leah Williams serves as a key procurement lead within the 693JK4 Ost office of the Department of Transportation, supporting the Secretary’s headquarters with mission-critical technology and administrative services. She manages the acquisition lifecycle for high-priority IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and digital modernization initiatives that enable secure, efficient operations for federal transportation leadership. Her portfolio primarily consists of complex service-based contracts requiring deep technical expertise, with a strong emphasis on custom software development, data integration, and secure web-based platforms. Williams ensures alignment with federal acquisition regulations and agency strategic priorities, acting as a bridge between technical stakeholders and contracting professionals to deliver scalable, compliant solutions. Her contractor relationships are centered on firms with proven capabilities in custom computer programming and information services, engaging primarily with mid-to-large-tier technology vendors experienced in federal compliance and secure development environments. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently partners with vendors possessing demonstrated experience in agile methodologies, NIST-aligned cybersecurity frameworks, and cloud-native application development. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous source selection, and long-term vendor reliability over transactional engagements. Leah Williams does not prioritize set-aside programs, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on technical merit and mission readiness rather than socioeconomic preferences, though she remains compliant with all statutory requirements for small business outreach and transparency. Her contracting patterns indicate a preference for proven, scalable solutions over niche or experimental vendors, aligning with the office’s mandate for operational continuity and security. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), reflecting a heavy reliance on bespoke software development for internal systems, complemented by NAICS 511210 and 519290 for data analytics platforms and secure web portals. She specializes in acquiring secure, interoperable digital tools that support executive decision-making, cybersecurity resilience, and mission-critical IT modernization across the Department of Transportation’s leadership infrastructure.

Wendell V. CrowderContract specialist

Contract Specialist

Wendell V. Crowder serves as a Contract Specialist within the NHTSA Office of Acquisition, where he plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for research, technical services, and policy support contracts, with a focus on social science research, behavioral analysis, and engineering studies that inform federal motor vehicle safety standards. His work directly supports the development of regulatory frameworks grounded in data-driven insights and public safety outcomes. Crowder maintains consistent contracting relationships with key vendors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators. These partnerships reflect a pattern of engaging specialized firms capable of delivering complex technical services, including data analytics, public communication strategy, and behavioral research. His procurement approach emphasizes collaboration with contractors possessing deep domain expertise in transportation safety, regulatory compliance, and public engagement. His contracting patterns demonstrate a strong commitment to socioeconomic diversity, with equal emphasis on total small business set-asides and 8(a) competed contracts, each accounting for 35.7% and 28.6% of his portfolio, respectively. This balanced approach ensures meaningful opportunities for small, disadvantaged businesses while maintaining competitive rigor. He actively leverages FAR 19.5 set-asides to foster vendor diversity and strengthen the pipeline of qualified small business participants in public safety contracting. Crowder’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541720 (Research and Development in the Social Sciences and Humanities), reflecting his specialization in behavioral and policy research. He also routinely procures management consulting services (541618), public relations support (541820), and computing infrastructure services (518210) to enable data collection, public awareness campaigns, and analytical modeling. His technical domain expertise centers on transportation safety research, regulatory impact analysis, and evidence-based policy development.

693JJ9 Nhtsa Office Of Acquistion

Bernice Nelson supports the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation in executing critical procurement functions essential to the secure and efficient operation of federal transportation leadership. Though her formal title is not specified, her role centers on managing acquisitions that sustain the Secretary’s headquarters infrastructure, with a sharp focus on telecommunications and administrative support services. She ensures that procurement activities align with the agency’s mission to modernize secure IT and physical security systems, prioritizing reliable, compliant, and technologically robust solutions that enable high-level governmental operations. Her acquisitions are typically classified as professional services, particularly in the domain of communications and administrative support. Nelson’s contracting activity is consistently directed toward non-set-aside contracts, reflecting a preference for open competition to ensure broad market access and operational flexibility. While no specific contractor relationships are documented, her procurement patterns suggest engagement with established providers of telephone answering services and mission-critical administrative support firms capable of meeting stringent federal security and compliance standards. Her working relationships are characterized by consistency, adherence to FAR guidelines, and an emphasis on performance-based outcomes rather than socioeconomic preferences. Her set-aside profile indicates a 100% preference for non-set-aside contracts, demonstrating a deliberate focus on full and open competition without reliance on 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic programs. This approach underscores a prioritization of capability, scalability, and continuity over socioeconomic targeting, consistent with the high-stakes, mission-critical nature of the Office of the Secretary’s operations. Nelson’s procurement activity is overwhelmingly concentrated in NAICS 561421—Telephone Answering Services—indicating deep specialization in secure, 24/7 communications infrastructure, call center operations, and administrative support systems that serve the Secretary’s office. Her technical domain expertise lies in procuring mission-critical voice and message management services, including encrypted call routing, secure call logging, and integrated emergency response systems that support the uninterrupted functioning of federal transportation leadership.

Ross S JeffriesContracting officer

Contracting Officer

Ross S. Jeffries serves as a Contracting Officer within the Office of Acquisition at the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), where he plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that advance the agency’s mission to reduce traffic-related fatalities and injuries through evidence-based safety initiatives. He manages a diverse portfolio of acquisitions spanning research and development, behavioral studies, public outreach campaigns, and technical services supporting regulatory decision-making. His work directly supports NHTSA’s priority programs in vehicle safety technologies, fuel efficiency standards, and engineering research, ensuring that contracts align with federal acquisition regulations and agency strategic goals. Jeffries maintains established relationships with key contractors including AMD International Technologies LLC, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and the National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators, reflecting a pattern of collaboration with firms specializing in technical research, safety system development, and public engagement services. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and compliance with FAR requirements, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical expertise and mission alignment rather than volume-driven procurement. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted competitions, with 92.3% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides, indicating a focus on competitive, open bidding to secure optimal technical solutions. When set-asides are utilized, they are primarily Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but consistent commitment to small business participation without compromising mission-critical requirements. Jeffries’ primary NAICS focus areas include 541712 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences) and 541720 (R&D in social sciences), underscoring his expertise in procuring behavioral research, safety analytics, and engineering studies. He also regularly supports acquisitions under 441110 (New Car Dealers) for vehicle evaluation programs and 541910 (marketing research) for public awareness campaigns, reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to advancing highway safety through data-driven, scientifically rigorous procurement.

693JJ9 Nhtsa Office Of Acquistion

Zalma Ross supports the Immediate Office of the Secretary of Transportation in executing mission-critical procurement activities that ensure the secure and efficient operation of federal transportation leadership infrastructure. Responsible for managing acquisitions aligned with the agency’s strategic priorities in cybersecurity, IT modernization, and workforce development, Ross oversees contracts that sustain the Secretary’s headquarters operations through technical and administrative services. Their procurement focus centers on high-integrity, low-risk acquisitions that uphold federal compliance standards while enabling seamless operational continuity for senior leadership functions. Ross maintains a streamlined contracting approach, engaging primarily with established federal contractors specializing in professional training and computer facilities management. While no specific vendor relationships are currently highlighted, their procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with firms capable of delivering scalable, compliant solutions in IT infrastructure support and leadership development services. Vendor partnerships are characterized by a preference for proven performers with demonstrated experience in federal environments, ensuring reliability and adherence to Department of Transportation security protocols. There is no use of socioeconomic set-asides in Ross’s procurement portfolio, with 100% of acquisitions awarded under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic emphasis on operational urgency and technical specificity over socioeconomic targeting, aligning with the agency’s need for rapid deployment of mission-essential services without procedural delays. The primary NAICS focus areas are 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training) and 541513 (Computer Facilities Management Services), underscoring expertise in leadership capacity building and secure IT operations support. Ross procures customized training programs for senior federal personnel and managed services for data center operations, network monitoring, and cybersecurity infrastructure, demonstrating deep domain knowledge in federal executive support systems and mission-critical IT environments.