Steve Umbarger

Steve Umbarger serves as a procurement professional responsible for managing acquisitions within the plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning (PHAC) sector, ensuring compliance with federal contracting regulations and operational readiness. His work supports critical infrastructure maintenance and facility modernization initiatives, typically overseeing task orders and indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contracts under the NAICS 238220 classification. He plays a pivotal role in translating agency facility needs into actionable procurement strategies, coordinating with technical stakeholders to define performance requirements and ensure contract deliverables align with lifecycle cost and energy efficiency objectives. Umbarger maintains a balanced contractor ecosystem, engaging both large prime contractors and small business subcontractors to deliver comprehensive HVAC and plumbing services. While no specific vendor relationships are dominant, his procurement patterns reflect a preference for qualified firms with proven experience in commercial and government facility systems, including those certified under relevant trade standards. He frequently utilizes competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, emphasizing technical capability, past performance, and compliance with safety and environmental codes. His contracting approach demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with approximately half of his awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This consistent use of set-asides underscores his dedication to expanding economic opportunity for small businesses in the skilled trades sector. He does not rely on other socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, instead focusing on broad-based small business eligibility to foster competition and innovation among local and regional contractors. Umbarger’s primary technical domain is NAICS 238220, encompassing the installation, maintenance, and repair of complex HVAC systems, hydronic piping, ductwork, and related building services. His acquisitions prioritize energy-efficient equipment, smart building integration, and code-compliant retrofits, reflecting a deep understanding of mechanical systems and facility lifecycle management. He is well-versed in evaluating technical proposals, performance specifications, and warranty terms to ensure long-term operational reliability and compliance with federal energy mandates.