Zhao Li

Zhao Li serves as a Contract Specialist at the Naval Medical Center San Diego (N00259), supporting the Department of the Navy’s mission to sustain combat-ready medical forces through strategic acquisition of critical healthcare infrastructure. In this role, Zhao manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for electromedical, surgical, and diagnostic equipment, ensuring compliance with FAR and DOD acquisition regulations. Their work directly enables operational readiness by securing advanced clinical technologies, including analytical laboratory instruments and surgical supplies, aligning acquisitions with the center’s modernization priorities and readiness timelines. Zhao collaborates with a diverse array of vendors specializing in medical device manufacturing, pharmaceutical preparation, and electromedical service providers. While no single contractor dominates their portfolio, Zhao maintains consistent engagement with firms certified in ISO 13485 and FDA-regulated environments, prioritizing vendors with proven track records in military-grade reliability and technical support. Their contracting approach emphasizes performance-based requirements, technical evaluations, and post-award oversight to ensure mission-critical equipment meets stringent military standards. Zhao demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly 20% of acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of contracts remain open to all competitors, there is a deliberate focus on engaging qualified small businesses in the medical technology and instrumentation sectors, particularly those with expertise in surgical appliance manufacturing and laboratory diagnostics. This reflects a balanced approach to competition and socioeconomic goals, fostering innovation through diverse supplier engagement. The primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 811219 (Electromedical and Electrotherapeutic Apparatus Repair and Maintenance), reflecting a significant need for maintenance and calibration services for high-value clinical equipment. Secondary focus areas include surgical instrument manufacturing (339112), surgical appliance production (339113), and analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing (334516). Zhao’s expertise lies in navigating the technical specifications and regulatory compliance requirements unique to military medical procurement, ensuring acquisitions deliver both clinical efficacy and operational sustainability.