Tania J Mercado

Tania K. Mercado serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements definition through contract award and administration. She plays a pivotal role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and advancing agency procurement objectives through transparent, competitive processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses service-based and light manufacturing contracts, with a focus on technical support, administrative consulting, and apparel accessories manufacturing. Mercado ensures that all acquisitions align with federal procurement policies while promoting efficiency, accountability, and fair competition among vendors. Her contractor relationships are diverse, reflecting a balanced approach to sourcing from both large-capability providers and small business entities. While no single contractor dominates her award profile, she consistently engages with firms capable of delivering specialized services in information technology, management consulting, and apparel production. Her procurement patterns emphasize competitive bidding, with a preference for open market opportunities, yet she actively cultivates partnerships with small businesses to meet socioeconomic goals. Mercado demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with over 28% of her acquisitions structured as set-asides—primarily Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and a smaller but meaningful share awarded through 8(a) competed contracts. Her approach reflects a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for disadvantaged businesses while maintaining rigorous competition and value for the government. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 315990 (Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing) and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), each representing 40% of her activity. She also regularly procures services under NAICS 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting) and 333249 (Other Industrial Machinery Manufacturing). This dual emphasis on technical services and specialized manufacturing highlights her expertise in both IT-enabled support functions and tangible product acquisition, positioning her as a versatile practitioner in complex, mixed-category procurement environments.