Linda Kerr

Linda K. Luke-Kerr serves as a Contracting Officer for Federal Prison Industries (Unicor), a U.S. Department of Justice entity dedicated to providing vocational training and meaningful employment to incarcerated individuals through the manufacture of goods for federal agencies. In this role, she manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions, from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration, ensuring alignment with Unicor’s mission of rehabilitation through industry. Her acquisitions primarily involve the procurement of manufactured goods produced by inmate labor, including furniture, textiles, and plastic and metal components, all tailored to meet federal agency requirements while adhering to statutory mandates for cost efficiency and workforce development. Luke-Kerr maintains longstanding partnerships with a select group of experienced vendors, including VETERANS RANGE SOLUTIONS, LLC, KRUEGER INTERNATIONAL, INC., and BLIND INDUSTRIES AND SERVICES OF MARYLAND, many of which are certified small businesses or nonprofit agencies employing individuals with disabilities. Her contracting patterns reflect a collaborative approach, often leveraging sole-source and negotiated acquisitions under the Unicor statutory authority, while also integrating competitive small business set-asides to foster broader economic inclusion. She consistently employs a balanced set-aside strategy, awarding approximately half of her contracts under Total Small Business Set-Asides (FAR 19.5), demonstrating a strong commitment to small business participation without compromising operational needs. Her socioeconomic contracting profile reflects a deliberate effort to integrate 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB firms alongside traditional vendors, ensuring equitable access to federal opportunities. Her technical expertise centers on NAICS 326150 (urethane and foam product manufacturing), 337214 (non-wood office furniture), and 316110 (leather tanning and finishing), with additional focus on plastics and fabricated metal products. Luke-Kerr brings deep domain knowledge in industrial manufacturing processes, material specifications, and quality control standards critical to procuring durable, government-grade goods.