Starla VanWinkle

Starla VanWinkle serves as the primary contracting lead for the Mission Support Contracting Division within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where she oversees the acquisition of mission-critical assets that sustain frontline operational readiness. Her portfolio centers on procuring specialized ordnance, protective equipment, canine support systems, and advanced analytical instrumentation essential for threat detection and border security missions. She manages the full lifecycle of contracts—from market research and solicitation to award and performance monitoring—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement outcomes with the agency’s strategic priorities in force protection and scientific detection capabilities. VanWinkle maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including VISTA OUTDOOR SALES LLC, LABVANTAGE SOLUTIONS INC, ATLANTIC DIVING SUPPLY, INC., L3 TECHNOLOGIES, INC., and FOSTER & FREEMAN USA INC. These partnerships reflect a focus on high-reliability suppliers capable of delivering ruggedized equipment, laboratory analytics platforms, and mission-specific apparel and gear under stringent performance and durability standards. Her contracting approach emphasizes vendor accountability, technical validation, and supply chain resilience, often requiring pre-award site evaluations and post-award performance metrics to ensure mission-critical readiness. Her contracting patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 76.3% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, while maintaining a meaningful 23.7% commitment to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This balance reflects a strategic emphasis on leveraging competitive market capabilities while actively fostering participation from qualified small businesses across diverse socioeconomic categories. VanWinkle’s primary NAICS focus areas include 332994 for small arms and ordnance accessories, 334516 for analytical laboratory instrumentation, and 315990 for specialized apparel and accessories. Her expertise lies in acquiring technically complex, mission-specific products that meet rigorous federal standards for safety, performance, and environmental resilience, particularly in high-stress operational environments.