Janine A. Kerns

Janine S. Kerns serves as a Contract Specialist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support the agency’s mission to advance measurement science, semiconductor standards, and advanced manufacturing technologies. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts for scientific instrumentation, technical consulting, and IT services critical to NIST’s research and development initiatives. Her work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement activities with NIST’s priorities in precision metrology, cybersecurity, and next-generation industrial innovation. Kerns maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including Quality Biological, Inc., ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND LABORATORIES (ATL) INTERNATIONAL, INC., and PHYSICAL ELECTRONICS USA, INC., among others. These partnerships span specialized scientific supply, analytical equipment, and technical services essential to NIST’s laboratory operations and R&D programs. Her procurement approach emphasizes technical compatibility, regulatory compliance, and long-term vendor reliability, fostering collaborative relationships with vendors capable of delivering high-precision, standards-compliant solutions. A strong advocate for small business participation, Kerns prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides, which account for nearly 58% of her awards, reflecting a deliberate commitment to broadening vendor diversity. She also regularly utilizes Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) set-asides, demonstrating alignment with federal socioeconomic goals. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach that leverages small business innovation while maintaining the technical rigor required for federal scientific missions. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690), Custom Computer Programming Services (541511), and Computer and Peripheral Equipment Wholesalers (423430), underscoring her expertise in procuring software development, systems integration, and specialized laboratory equipment. Kerns consistently supports acquisitions in metrology, semiconductor process validation, and analytical instrumentation, ensuring NIST’s infrastructure remains at the forefront of technological leadership.