Tara Burfening

Tara L. Burfening serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements development through contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and promoting efficient, transparent procurement practices. Her portfolio primarily encompasses information technology and computer-related services, with a focus on securing mission-critical solutions that support operational continuity and digital modernization. She routinely handles competitive solicitations under both sealed bid and negotiated procedures, emphasizing value, risk mitigation, and timely delivery. While specific contractor names are not available, her procurement patterns indicate consistent engagement with commercial technology vendors and IT service providers, particularly those offering software development, system integration, and hardware distribution. Her working relationships reflect a preference for established commercial suppliers with proven capabilities in delivering scalable, secure, and interoperable technology solutions. She maintains a balanced approach to vendor engagement, prioritizing competition while ensuring alignment with technical and compliance requirements. Tara demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 17% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Although the majority of her acquisitions are open to all competitors, her consistent use of small business set-asides signals a deliberate effort to foster economic opportunity and diversify the supplier base. Her contracting patterns reflect an understanding of socioeconomic programs and a focus on maximizing small business access without compromising acquisition objectives. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers (423430), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), and Software Publishers (511210), underscoring her expertise in procuring commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) software, bespoke programming, and integrated IT solutions. She routinely sources hardware, software licensing, and related technical services, demonstrating deep familiarity with the commercial IT marketplace and the evolving demands of digital infrastructure procurement.