Tara S. Simmons-Gulck

Tara S. Simmons-Gulck 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 critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) while supporting mission-critical procurement needs across technical and construction domains. Her work encompasses the planning, solicitation, evaluation, and award of contracts for professional services and specialized construction, with a focus on delivering value, transparency, and regulatory integrity. She routinely handles complex procurements requiring technical expertise and precise statement of work development. While specific contractor relationships are not currently identifiable due to limited data, her contracting patterns indicate consistent engagement with a diverse pool of vendors, including both large-capability firms and small businesses capable of delivering specialized IT and construction services. Her approach reflects a balanced procurement strategy that prioritizes competition, technical suitability, and vendor performance, fostering long-term partnerships with qualified contractors who meet stringent compliance and delivery standards. Simmons-Gulck demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 40% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate focus on expanding opportunities for small businesses without relying on other socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides. Her preference for broad small business eligibility underscores a strategic intent to enhance market access and promote economic diversity within the federal contracting community. Her primary procurement focus centers on information technology services, particularly Custom Computer Programming Services (NAICS 541511) and Other Computer Related Services (NAICS 541519), indicating deep expertise in software development, systems integration, and IT support. She also frequently procures commercial and institutional construction services (NAICS 236220) and specialized construction trades such as drywall and insulation (NAICS 238310), alongside niche industrial equipment manufacturing (NAICS 333994), reflecting a multidisciplinary approach to mission-enabling acquisitions.