Sara M. McLaurin

Sara M. McLaurin serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement validation and market research through solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and promoting efficient, transparent procurement practices. Her portfolio primarily encompasses service-based contracts in scientific research, animal production, and social services, supporting mission-critical operations across diverse technical domains. McLaurin works closely with program managers and acquisition teams to align contracting strategies with agency objectives while maintaining rigorous adherence to procurement integrity standards. While specific contractor names are not available, McLaurin maintains a broad network of vendors capable of delivering specialized scientific, agricultural, and human services. Her contracting patterns reflect engagement with both large-capability firms and small businesses, emphasizing performance-based outcomes and clear statement of work development. She prioritizes clear communication, competitive bidding, and post-award oversight to ensure contractor accountability and deliverable quality across a range of technical and operational requirements. McLaurin’s procurement approach is overwhelmingly oriented toward open competition, with 90% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides, reflecting a preference for broad market access. However, she consistently reserves 10% of her portfolio for Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to fostering small business participation. Her pattern indicates a balanced approach—favoring competition while intentionally creating opportunities for small businesses to compete on equal footing within defined categories. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712, where she procures research and development services in physical, engineering, and life sciences, often involving laboratory testing, data analysis, and technical consulting. She also regularly acquires services under NAICS 112990 for non-traditional animal production activities and NAICS 624120 for support services to the elderly and persons with disabilities. This specialization reflects deep familiarity with technical, compliance-driven, and socially impactful contracting domains.