Cheryl Rice

Cheryl Rice serves as a Contracting Officer within the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, where she manages the acquisition of specialized scientific instrumentation, analytical laboratory equipment, and advanced research and development services critical to national measurement science and industrial competitiveness. Her portfolio supports NIST’s mission to advance precision standards in semiconductors, advanced manufacturing, and physical sciences through technically complex procurements governed by FAR and FAR Part 35. She routinely handles sole-source, competitive, and sealed bid contracts for high-precision instruments and technical consulting services aligned with federal R&D priorities. Cheryl maintains consistent working relationships with key vendors including Quality Biological, Inc., ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND LABORATORIES (ATL) INTERNATIONAL, INC., and PHYSICAL ELECTRONICS USA, INC., all of which provide specialized analytical instruments, calibration services, and laboratory support solutions. Her procurement patterns reflect deep engagement with niche technical suppliers possessing specialized expertise in metrology, vacuum systems, and spectroscopy, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in technical compliance and performance reliability rather than volume-based contracting. Her set-aside preferences prioritize broad competition, with 68% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides, while 31% are reserved for total small business participation under FAR 19.5. She occasionally awards contracts to Women-Owned Small Businesses and 8(a) firms, demonstrating measured but intentional socioeconomic inclusion aligned with NIST’s technical mission rather than volume-driven compliance. Cheryl’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), accounting for over 43% of her portfolio, followed by research and development services under 541712 and technical consulting under 541690. She specializes in procuring mass spectrometers, surface analysis tools, environmental test chambers, and custom metrology systems, reflecting deep domain expertise in physical sciences instrumentation and laboratory infrastructure critical to NIST’s scientific missions.