Tessa W Buffington

Tessa W. Buffington serves as a procurement professional responsible for managing complex acquisitions in support of scientific and laboratory operations. She plays a critical role in ensuring the agency secures high-precision analytical equipment and specialized diagnostic supplies through compliant, transparent contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses the acquisition of analytical laboratory instruments, in-vitro diagnostic substances, and related professional supplies, aligning with mission-critical research and testing functions. She routinely oversees solicitations under FAR Part 15, leveraging competitive procedures to ensure technical excellence and value delivery across the lifecycle of contracted goods. While specific contractor names are not disclosed in available data, Buffington’s procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with manufacturers and merchant wholesalers specializing in scientific instrumentation and laboratory supplies. Her working relationships are characterized by a preference for technically capable vendors with proven track records in regulatory-compliant production and distribution, particularly those capable of supporting federal quality assurance standards such as ISO 13485 and CLIA requirements. She fosters long-term vendor partnerships through clear performance metrics and post-award oversight. Buffington demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 14.4% of her awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While she rarely utilizes 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB-specific set-asides, her consistent use of general small business set-asides reflects a deliberate strategy to expand market access for qualified small manufacturers and distributors in the scientific supply chain. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing) and 325413 (In-Vitro Diagnostic Substance Manufacturing), indicating deep technical expertise in laboratory diagnostics and precision instrumentation. She also regularly procures through NAICS 811219 (Other Personal Care Services) and merchant wholesaling categories (424210, 423490), underscoring her ability to navigate diverse supply chains supporting both high-tech equipment and consumable laboratory needs.