Laura Olesen-Berge

Laura Olesen-Berge serves as a Contracting Officer at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), where she manages the acquisition of scientific, technical, and professional services critical to advancing measurement science and industrial innovation. Her portfolio supports NIST’s mission to enhance U.S. competitiveness through standards development, semiconductor research, and advanced manufacturing technologies. She specializes in procuring complex, high-precision services including R&D, technical consulting, and specialized laboratory support, ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and strategic national priorities in science and technology. Olesen-Berge maintains consistent relationships with key vendors including Quality Biological, Inc., ADVANCED TECHNOLOGIES AND LABORATORIES (ATL) INTERNATIONAL, INC., and PHYSICAL ELECTRONICS USA, INC., among others. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized scientific instrumentation, analytical services, and technical support essential to NIST’s laboratory operations. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical capability validation, and performance-based outcomes, often requiring rigorous compliance with federal standards for calibration, traceability, and data integrity. A strong advocate for small business participation, Olesen-Berge prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides, directing approximately 60% of her acquisitions to small businesses under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a diverse supplier base capable of delivering niche scientific and technical services. Her contracting patterns consistently align with socioeconomic goals, fostering opportunities for small businesses with expertise in specialized research, training, and equipment maintenance. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services) and 541712 (R&D in Physical and Engineering Sciences), with significant activity in professional training (611430) and equipment repair (811310). She routinely acquires services supporting precision metrology, standards validation, and workforce development in advanced manufacturing and semiconductor technologies, demonstrating deep domain expertise in science-driven federal procurement.