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 to enhance national transportation security. She manages the full lifecycle of complex 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 mandate to modernize aviation and transit infrastructure through timely, compliant, and technically sound procurement actions aligned with federal acquisition regulations. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Janet maintains a dynamic network of vendors specializing in high-technology security solutions, engineering services, and research-driven innovations. She fosters collaborative relationships with both large prime contractors and niche suppliers capable of delivering specialized hardware and software systems, ensuring technical precision and operational readiness. Her procurement approach emphasizes rigorous technical evaluation, performance-based contracting, and vendor accountability to meet stringent security and reliability standards. Janet demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with approximately half of her acquisitions structured as small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for small and emerging firms. She actively promotes participation from small businesses across all socioeconomic categories, balancing set-aside preferences with open competitions to maintain market competitiveness while advancing diversity in the supplier base. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 511130 (Newspaper, Periodical, Book, and Directory Publishers), 541611 (Administrative Management Consulting), 332991 (Ball and Roller Bearing Manufacturing), 333922 (Conveyor and Conveying Equipment Manufacturing), and 541712 (R&D in Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences). This reflects a unique blend of industrial manufacturing, systems integration, and technical consulting needs, underscoring her expertise in procuring both physical components and high-level analytical services critical to layered security operations.