Jestina Shearin-Nichols

Jestina Shearin-Nichols serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements validation and market research through solicitation, evaluation, award, and contract administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations while supporting mission-critical technology initiatives. Her work centers on securing specialized information technology services that enhance operational efficiency and system interoperability, primarily through competitive, full and open contracting procedures. She is deeply engaged in aligning acquisition strategies with agency objectives, ensuring transparency, fairness, and regulatory integrity throughout the procurement process. Jestina collaborates with a diverse range of IT service providers, including systems integrators, software developers, and professional services firms specializing in IT modernization and technical consulting. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently engages with vendors possessing demonstrated expertise in complex, performance-based service delivery. Her working relationships are characterized by a focus on technical capability, past performance, and compliance with federal acquisition standards, fostering a competitive environment that prioritizes quality and accountability over vendor size or affiliation. Jestina’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions designated as non-set-aside. This indicates a strategic emphasis on maximizing competition and selecting the most qualified offerors regardless of socioeconomic status, consistent with mission needs that require broad access to specialized technical talent. While she does not currently utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her approach ensures equitable opportunity through open market solicitations and rigorous evaluation criteria. Her primary procurement focus is on NAICS 541519—Other Computer Related Services—encompassing a wide array of IT support functions including systems analysis, cloud migration, cybersecurity services, data management, and custom software development. She specializes in acquiring mission-enabling technology solutions that demand deep technical expertise, agile delivery methods, and adherence to federal information security standards.