Barbara J. Rich

Barbara J. Rich serves as a Contracting Officer within the W6QK Acc-rsa under the Department of the Army, where she plays a pivotal role in advancing the U.S. Army’s aerial and missile defense modernization efforts. She manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions for mission-critical aerospace systems, including procurement of aircraft platforms such as the UH-60 and AH-64 Apache, along with associated avionics, propulsion, and sensor technologies. Her work directly supports the agency’s mission to ensure operational readiness through the acquisition of high-performance, survivable defense systems. Rich specializes in competitive and sole-source contracting under FAR Part 15, with a focus on technical evaluation, risk mitigation, and contract compliance for defense aerospace programs. While specific contractor names are not available, Rich maintains a robust network of Tier 1 aerospace prime contractors and specialized subsystem suppliers with expertise in military-grade flight systems, electronic warfare integration, and guided munitions support. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense industry partners with proven track records in Army aviation programs, alongside active engagement with qualified small businesses through set-aside mechanisms. She fosters collaborative vendor relationships grounded in technical transparency, performance accountability, and timely delivery of mission-critical capabilities. Rich demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with approximately half of her portfolio allocated to total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. She consistently prioritizes opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses, women-owned small businesses, and other socioeconomically disadvantaged firms, aligning with Army-wide goals to broaden industrial base participation. Her approach balances competitive fairness with strategic socioeconomic objectives, ensuring broad access to contracting opportunities without compromising technical rigor. Her primary procurement focus is exclusively within NAICS 336411 (Aircraft Manufacturing), encompassing the design, integration, testing, and sustainment of military rotorcraft and related subsystems. She has deep expertise in procuring advanced flight control systems, radar and electro-optical sensors, engine modifications, and digital architecture upgrades critical to modernizing Army aviation platforms.