Howard D. Bish

Howard D. Bish serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements definition through contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) while supporting mission-critical procurements across scientific and technical domains. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex service-based contracts and specialized equipment procurement, with a focus on analytical instrumentation, laboratory testing services, and research and development activities. Bish ensures acquisitions are structured to meet agency objectives while maintaining rigorous standards for competition, transparency, and accountability. While specific contractor names are not available, Bish routinely engages with a diverse pool of vendors, including small businesses and specialized technical firms, to fulfill needs in laboratory automation, scientific research support, and analytical service delivery. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for competitive sealed bidding and negotiated acquisitions under FAR Part 15, with an emphasis on performance-based contracting and clear statement of work development. He fosters collaborative relationships with industry partners to ensure technical feasibility and timely delivery of high-quality solutions. Bish demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 23.8% of his awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. His contracting approach prioritizes opportunities for small businesses without relying heavily on specialized socioeconomic programs such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, indicating a broad-based focus on small business capability rather than targeted socioeconomic categories. This pattern reflects a strategic alignment with agency-wide goals to expand small business access while maintaining robust competition. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334516 (analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing), 541712 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences), and 541380 (testing laboratories), indicating deep expertise in scientific instrumentation, research services, and analytical testing. He regularly procures precision equipment, technical consulting, and specialized laboratory services, demonstrating proficiency in highly technical domains requiring detailed specifications and compliance with industry standards.