Stephen Wharton

Stephen E. Wharton serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex information technology and electronics acquisitions in support of federal mission requirements. He oversees the full lifecycle of procurement activities—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and strategic sourcing objectives. His portfolio primarily centers on IT services and electronic manufacturing, reflecting a strong alignment with modernization and digital infrastructure initiatives. Wharton’s expertise lies in structuring performance-based contracts that emphasize outcomes, innovation, and vendor accountability within highly technical domains. Wharton maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse range of contractors, including large systems integrators, custom software developers, and specialized electronics manufacturers. He frequently engages with firms capable of delivering bespoke computer programming, systems design, and hardware manufacturing solutions. His contracting approach emphasizes competitive solicitation processes, fostering an environment where both established industry leaders and emerging technology providers can compete on merit. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his pattern of engagement reflects a preference for vendors with proven capabilities in agile development, cybersecurity-ready infrastructure, and scalable IT solutions. Wharton’s procurement strategy is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 92.3% of awards issued under full and open competition, indicating a focus on technical merit and market-wide capability. However, he consistently reserves 7.7% of opportunities for 8(a) certified small businesses, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic programs. This balanced approach ensures broad market access while supporting the growth of disadvantaged small businesses in high-demand technical sectors. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), with significant activity in 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services). He routinely acquires software development, systems integration, and specialized electronic equipment, reflecting deep expertise in digital transformation, data infrastructure, and embedded hardware solutions.