Janet Cariaga

Janet Cariaga serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracting and Procurement office of the Transportation Security Administration under the Department of Homeland Security, where she plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical capabilities that enhance aviation and transit security. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for advanced detection systems, cybersecurity services, and operational support technologies, including explosive detection equipment, irradiation apparatus, and GPS-enabled rail monitoring systems. Her work directly supports the agency’s strategic imperative to modernize national transportation infrastructure through innovative, high-integrity procurement solutions aligned with federal acquisition regulations. Cariaga collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of vendors, including specialized manufacturers of analytical instrumentation, electrical contractors, and professional service organizations, fostering partnerships that ensure technical compliance and operational readiness. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with firms possessing niche expertise in security technology development and deployment, prioritizing vendors with proven track records in federal compliance and rapid delivery under stringent security protocols. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Cariaga consistently structures solicitations to maximize socioeconomic opportunities, with nearly 69% of her acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She actively promotes participation from service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses and ensures compliance with all applicable socioeconomic programs, reflecting a deliberate commitment to equitable access and vendor diversity in high-stakes security procurements. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS categories including 325920 (Explosives Manufacturing), 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), and 238210 (Electrical Contractors), reflecting deep technical alignment with detection systems, sensor technologies, and infrastructure integration. Cariaga’s expertise lies in navigating complex regulatory requirements for hazardous materials, classified systems, and critical infrastructure procurement, ensuring acquisitions meet both operational needs and national security standards.