Chendra Conklin

Chendra Conklin serves as a Contracting Officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where she manages the acquisition of specialized scientific instrumentation, analytical laboratory equipment, and technical consulting services critical to advancing measurement science and industrial competitiveness. Her portfolio supports NIST’s mission to develop foundational standards and technologies that underpin national security, semiconductor innovation, and advanced manufacturing. She oversees full and open competitions as well as small business set-asides, ensuring compliance with FAR provisions while delivering mission-critical capabilities across NIST’s research and development programs. Conklin maintains consistent relationships with key contractors including Quality Biological, Inc., ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND LABORATORIES (ATL) INTERNATIONAL, INC., and PHYSICAL ELECTRONICS USA, INC., firms that provide precision analytical instruments, calibration services, and specialized laboratory systems. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established vendors with proven expertise in high-accuracy instrumentation and scientific support services, often requiring technical validation and compliance with NIST-specific performance standards. She engages vendors through competitive sealed bidding and negotiated procurements, prioritizing technical capability and past performance. Her set-aside preferences demonstrate a strong commitment to small business participation, with 39.1% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate effort to foster innovation from small, agile suppliers. While no set-aside dominates her portfolio, she consistently evaluates socioeconomic eligibility and leverages small business programs to expand the supplier base in niche technical markets. Conklin’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), followed by 811219 (Other Commercial and Industrial Machinery and Equipment Repair) and 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services). She procures high-precision measurement systems, semiconductor process controls, and technical advisory services that directly support NIST’s research in metrology, materials science, and quantum technologies, requiring deep domain expertise in scientific instrumentation and laboratory infrastructure.