Sara E. Smith-Custer

Sara E. Smith-Custer serves as a procurement specialist focused on information technology services, driving the acquisition of mission-critical software and systems solutions for her organization. She manages the full lifecycle of complex IT contracts, from requirement development and market research to solicitation, evaluation, and contract administration. Her work supports the agency’s digital transformation goals by ensuring timely delivery of high-quality technical services aligned with federal acquisition regulations. She typically handles competitive procurements for custom software development, systems integration, and IT consulting, emphasizing performance-based outcomes and risk mitigation in technical engagements. Smith-Custer maintains a broad network of vendor partnerships, engaging primarily with firms specializing in custom computer programming and broader IT services. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently collaborates with both large systems integrators and niche technology providers capable of delivering tailored software solutions. Her procurement approach prioritizes competitive bidding, clear performance metrics, and contractual accountability, fostering a transparent and results-driven vendor environment. She is known for her thorough evaluation of technical proposals and emphasis on vendor capability over price alone. Her contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her awards issued without set-aside designations. This indicates a strategic focus on maximizing market participation and leveraging the broadest possible pool of qualified vendors, rather than targeting specific socioeconomic categories. While she does not routinely reserve awards for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB firms, her process remains compliant with all federal small business goals and includes outreach to diverse suppliers when market conditions permit. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services) and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting deep expertise in software development, application modernization, and technical support services. She routinely acquires solutions involving agile development methodologies, cloud-native applications, and legacy system integration, demonstrating a strong command of modern software engineering practices and IT service delivery frameworks.