Valerie Wetzel

Valerie Wetzel serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement analysis and solicitation development to contract award and administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and supports the agency’s mission by delivering mission-critical technology and aerospace systems through transparent, competitive procurement processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses complex IT infrastructure and advanced manufacturing contracts, requiring deep technical understanding and meticulous contract management to meet operational needs while maintaining fiscal accountability and regulatory integrity. Valerie cultivates relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including large prime contractors specializing in computing infrastructure and aerospace systems, as well as small businesses participating in socioeconomic programs. Her contracting approach emphasizes fair competition and performance-based outcomes, fostering partnerships with firms capable of delivering secure, scalable computing environments and precision-engineered aeronautical systems. She engages regularly with contractors who demonstrate technical proficiency, past performance, and strong compliance records, ensuring reliable service delivery across high-stakes operational domains. Her procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 88.9% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions. However, she consistently supports small business participation, with 11.1% of contracts awarded under the SBA Certified Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) program, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs in high-tech sectors. Valerie’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 518210, where she acquires cloud-based computing, data processing, and web hosting services essential to modern mission operations. She also frequently procures aerospace systems under NAICS 336411 and 334511, including aircraft manufacturing and advanced navigation, guidance, and detection instrumentation. Her expertise spans both commercial off-the-shelf and custom-engineered solutions, requiring close collaboration with technical stakeholders to align acquisition strategy with operational requirements in defense and aviation domains.