Cheri Richards

Cheri R. Richards serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions in support of national defense and aerospace systems. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while delivering mission-critical capabilities through competitive, transparent contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses the acquisition of specialized aircraft components and auxiliary equipment, alongside technical services supporting advanced computing systems. Richards plays a pivotal role in translating operational requirements into enforceable contract terms, ensuring timely delivery of high-integrity systems that meet stringent performance and safety standards. Her contractor relationships are centered on prime vendors with deep expertise in aerospace manufacturing and information technology services. While no single contractor dominates her award profile, she consistently engages with firms possessing specialized certifications and technical capabilities in avionics, flight control systems, and mission-critical software development. Richards fosters collaborative, performance-based partnerships that emphasize quality assurance, supply chain resilience, and compliance with defense acquisition standards. Richards maintains a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of her acquisitions conducted without set-aside designations. This reflects a strategic focus on maximizing technical capability and market competitiveness rather than socioeconomic targeting. While she does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, her procurement decisions remain fully compliant with all applicable small business participation requirements under FAR Part 19. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413, encompassing the acquisition of advanced aircraft parts, propulsion subsystems, and avionics support equipment, as well as NAICS 541519 for custom software development, systems integration, and cybersecurity services for defense platforms. Richards brings deep technical familiarity with aerospace engineering standards and DoD IT interoperability requirements, ensuring acquisitions align with operational readiness and long-term sustainment objectives.