Chad Zernis

Chad Zernis serves as the primary procurement lead at the DDSP New Cumberland Facility, a critical logistics node under the Department of Defense’s Defense Logistics Agency Distribution. In this role, he is responsible for managing the acquisition of mission-critical industrial components essential to maintaining operational readiness across military platforms. His portfolio centers on the procurement of precision-engineered hardware, including industrial valves, cutting tools, aircraft ancillary equipment, and welding systems, all vital for field maintenance and equipment sustainment. Zernis ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning purchases with the facility’s strategic mission to support rapid repair and logistical resilience for defense systems. Zernis maintains direct contracting relationships with a focused network of specialized manufacturers and distributors with proven expertise in industrial valve systems and high-tolerance mechanical components. His procurement approach emphasizes technical qualification, quality assurance, and supply chain reliability, often engaging vendors with AS9100 or ISO 9001 certifications. While no single contractor dominates his award profile, his working relationships are characterized by long-term vendor engagement, technical collaboration, and performance-based contract management to ensure consistent delivery of mission-critical parts. Zernis’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of procurements conducted under standard competitive procedures without socioeconomic preferences. This reflects a deliberate focus on technical capability and operational urgency over socioeconomic categorization, prioritizing the most qualified suppliers regardless of business size or certification status. His primary industry focus is NAICS 332911 — Industrial Valve Manufacturing — where he specializes in procuring pressure-rated, corrosion-resistant, and high-flow valves used in hydraulic, pneumatic, and fuel systems. His technical expertise spans materials science, fluid dynamics, and military specification compliance, ensuring all acquired components meet stringent DoD performance and durability standards for harsh operational environments.