Valerie M. Catlett

Valerie M. Catlett 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 advancing mission-critical procurement objectives. Her portfolio primarily encompasses professional services and specialized manufacturing contracts, with a strong emphasis on research and development, engineering support, and commercial printing services. Catlett’s work supports the agency’s broader mission to secure high-quality, cost-effective solutions through transparent, competitive processes. While specific contractor names are not available, Catlett maintains a diverse vendor ecosystem, engaging both large-capability firms and small businesses across technical and industrial sectors. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach, favoring open competition while actively facilitating small business participation through set-aside mechanisms. She collaborates with vendors who demonstrate technical proficiency, past performance, and regulatory compliance, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in accountability and performance-based outcomes. Catlett exhibits a clear preference for unrestricted competition, with 83.3% of her awards issued under the “No Set-Aside” category, indicating a focus on full and open competition. However, she consistently allocates 16.7% of her acquisitions to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses without prioritizing specific socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB. Her approach aligns with agency-wide goals to maintain competitive markets while ensuring equitable access. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 541715 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences), reflecting deep engagement with scientific and technical R&D services. She also regularly procures engineering services (541330) and specialized manufacturing outputs, including industrial printing (323111) and basic organic chemical production (325199). This technical breadth underscores her expertise in complex, mission-oriented acquisitions requiring specialized scientific and engineering capabilities.