Terra N. Carter

Terra N. Carter serves as a key procurement professional within the Forensic Sciences unit of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Office of Forensic Sciences (15DDSS), supporting the agency’s mission to uphold scientific integrity in drug enforcement through advanced laboratory capabilities. She manages acquisitions for precision analytical instrumentation, hazardous material handling systems, and regulated waste disposal services critical to forensic investigations. Her work ensures compliance with federal safety standards while enabling the unit to maintain rigorous analytical protocols and secure chemical residue management. Carter routinely handles complex, high-stakes procurements requiring technical specificity, environmental compliance, and adherence to Department of Justice procurement policies. Carter maintains a consistent working relationship with Government Scientific Source Inc., a primary vendor for specialized forensic equipment and hazardous waste management solutions. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established technical partners with demonstrated expertise in forensic lab systems and DEA-compliant disposal protocols. She engages vendors through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated acquisitions, prioritizing vendors with proven experience in handling controlled substances, regulated chemicals, and certified hazardous waste streams under EPA and DEA guidelines. Carter’s procurement portfolio includes a balanced approach to socioeconomic set-asides, with approximately one-third of contracts awarded under Total Small Business Set-Aside provisions (FAR 19.5). While the majority of acquisitions are open to all competitors, she actively encourages qualified small businesses to participate, particularly those with environmental remediation or forensic science support capabilities. Her contracting practices reflect a deliberate effort to expand vendor diversity without compromising technical or regulatory requirements. Her primary NAICS focus is on 562211 (Hazardous Waste Treatment and Disposal), reflecting the unit’s critical need for compliant disposal of controlled substance residues and chemical byproducts. She also frequently procures services under 562213 (Solid Waste Combustors and Incinerators) for high-temperature destruction of hazardous materials. Her domain expertise lies in securing technical solutions that meet DEA, EPA, and OSHA standards, ensuring forensic operations remain both scientifically valid and environmentally responsible.