Valerie Young

Valerie H. Young serves as a Contracting Officer for Federal Prison Industries (Unicor), a U.S. Department of Justice entity that leverages inmate labor to produce goods and services for federal agencies. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with Unicor’s mission of rehabilitation through industrial training. Her acquisitions primarily support manufacturing, logistics, and maintenance operations critical to federal supply chains, with a strong emphasis on cost-effective, high-quality production under the authority of 18 U.S.C. § 4124. Young maintains longstanding relationships with a select group of contractors, including VETERANS RANGE SOLUTIONS, LLC, KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC., and BLIND INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES OF MARYLAND, many of which are nonprofit agencies employing individuals with disabilities or veterans. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established partners with proven capacity in industrial manufacturing, transportation, and specialized maintenance services, fostering stable, mission-aligned vendor relationships that support Unicor’s operational continuity. Her procurement portfolio is predominantly open competition, with 77.8% of awards issued without set-asides, reflecting Unicor’s statutory authority to operate outside traditional small business preferences. However, she consistently awards 22.2% of contracts under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5), demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to small business participation within the bounds of Unicor’s unique legal framework. Young’s technical focus centers on NAICS codes related to steel and metal fabrication—particularly 331221 (Rolled Steel Shape Manufacturing), 331210 (Iron and Steel Pipe and Tube Manufacturing), and 332722 (Bolt, Nut, Screw Manufacturing)—alongside logistics (484122) and automotive maintenance (811198). She brings deep expertise in procuring durable industrial components, freight services, and maintenance solutions, ensuring compliance with federal standards while advancing Unicor’s dual goals of inmate workforce development and fiscal responsibility.