Andrew Cherry

Andrew Q. Cherry serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements validation and market research through solicitation, award, and contract administration. He plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission by ensuring compliant, efficient, and transparent procurement processes for high-priority scientific and technical services. His portfolio primarily consists of complex, performance-based contracts for research and development activities, often involving multi-year, mission-critical projects requiring specialized technical oversight and risk mitigation strategies. Cherry collaborates with a diverse range of vendors, including established research institutions, engineering firms, and independent scientific consultants, to secure innovative solutions aligned with federal priorities. While no single contractor dominates his award profile, his contracting patterns reflect a preference for qualified entities with proven expertise in physical, engineering, and life sciences research. He maintains professional, arms-length relationships grounded in regulatory compliance, ensuring fair competition and adherence to FAR principles across all procurements. His procurement strategy reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 100% of his acquisitions conducted without set-asides, indicating a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences. This approach underscores his commitment to selecting the most qualified offerors regardless of business size or certification status, while still ensuring full compliance with small business participation goals through unrestricted competition. Cherry’s primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541712 and 541715, specializing in non-biotechnology R&D across physical and engineering sciences. He routinely acquires services such as applied research, laboratory testing, data analysis, systems modeling, and technical consulting, requiring deep domain knowledge in areas like materials science, environmental engineering, and computational analysis. His expertise enables him to effectively evaluate technical proposals and ensure contract deliverables meet rigorous scientific and operational standards.