Terry M. Bearden

Terry M. Bearden serves as Assistant Chief of the Office of Security Contracts within the U.S. Marshals Service, overseeing the acquisition of mission-critical security services and infrastructure to protect federal judicial operations. In this leadership role, he directs the planning, solicitation, and award of contracts for personnel, systems, and technical support essential to the safety of judges, court personnel, and witnesses. His portfolio encompasses a broad spectrum of security-related procurements, including armed protective services, surveillance technologies, and secure facility enhancements, ensuring alignment with Department of Justice standards for operational resilience and federal court integrity. Bearden maintains strategic relationships with a diverse pool of vendors specializing in security systems integration, protective services, and technical equipment manufacturing. While no single contractor dominates the award landscape, his office consistently engages firms with proven expertise in federal security compliance, including those capable of rapid deployment, multi-jurisdictional coordination, and adherence to DHS and DOJ security protocols. Vendor partnerships are built on performance reliability, regulatory adherence, and the ability to scale operations across high-risk court environments. The Office of Security Contracts under Bearden’s leadership does not utilize socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of procurements conducted under full and open competition. This reflects a mission-driven prioritization of capability, readiness, and continuity over socioeconomic preferences, ensuring the most qualified providers are selected based on technical merit and operational suitability. Primary procurement activity centers on NAICS 561621 for security systems services and 561612 for security guard and patrol services, underscoring a heavy reliance on human and technological security integration. Additional focus areas include 334519 for specialized monitoring and control devices, and 541611 for management consulting supporting security protocol optimization. Bearden’s expertise lies in bridging operational needs with technical procurement, ensuring acquisitions directly enhance the safety and efficiency of federal judicial proceedings.