Sandra Birtwhistle

Sandra Birtwhistle serves as an Acquisition Specialist responsible for managing complex procurement initiatives focused on industrial manufacturing equipment and precision tooling systems. She plays a critical role in executing the agency’s acquisition strategy by ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations, conducting market research, and developing solicitation documents that align with technical and operational requirements. Her portfolio primarily encompasses capital equipment procurements under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, with an emphasis on competitive bidding processes and full and open competition. While specific contractor relationships are not publicly detailed, Sandra consistently engages with a diverse pool of manufacturers and suppliers specializing in machine tool systems and industrial automation components. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established industrial vendors with proven technical capabilities, while actively encouraging participation from small businesses that meet stringent manufacturing qualifications. She fosters collaborative relationships with vendors who demonstrate quality control adherence, ISO certification, and the ability to deliver custom-engineered solutions under tight delivery schedules. Sandra maintains a strong commitment to small business participation, with 18% of her acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Though the majority of her procurements are conducted as full and open competitions, she strategically deploys small business set-asides to promote equitable access for qualified manufacturers, particularly those certified under the SBA’s small business programs. Her socioeconomic contracting approach prioritizes capacity-building among small industrial firms without compromising technical performance or mission readiness. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 333517 (Machine Tool Manufacturing), with significant activity in cutting tool accessory manufacturing (333515) and industrial furnace systems (333994). She specializes in acquiring high-precision machinery, dies, jigs, and fixtures used in aerospace, defense, and heavy industrial applications. Sandra’s technical expertise spans mechanical engineering standards, GD&T specifications, and production-scale manufacturing systems, positioning her as a subject matter expert in capital equipment acquisition within the industrial base.