Starleana M Cooke

Starleana M. Cooke serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support national security and operational readiness. She manages the full lifecycle of professional, scientific, and technical service contracts, with a focus on cybersecurity, systems engineering, and research and development initiatives. Her work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while advancing the agency’s goals in physical and engineering sciences, enabling the deployment of secure, resilient systems across DHS operations. Cooke collaborates with a diverse range of vendors, including specialized firms in information technology services, software development, and technical consulting. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she cultivates partnerships with both large primes and small businesses capable of delivering innovative, mission-aligned solutions. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and rigorous source selection under competitive procedures, fostering accountability and technical excellence among vendors. She maintains a balanced commitment to socioeconomic programs, with approximately half of her acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a strong dedication to expanding opportunities for small businesses. Her procurement patterns consistently prioritize small business participation without compromising mission requirements, demonstrating alignment with DHS’s broader goals for inclusive contracting and economic resilience. Cooke’s primary NAICS focus areas include 519130 (Other Information Services), 511210 (Software Publishers), and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), underscoring her specialization in digital infrastructure, software solutions, and emerging technology services. She routinely procures cloud-based platforms, cybersecurity tools, data analytics systems, and custom software applications that enhance DHS’s operational capabilities, positioning her at the intersection of technical innovation and federal procurement integrity.