Joe Ricardo

Joe Ricardo serves as a key procurement lead within the OCP-POD-Acq-Mgmt-Branch-FTC of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Office of the Chief Financial Officer, where he manages the acquisition of mission-critical digital infrastructure and technical services to support agricultural policy execution. His responsibilities include planning, soliciting, and awarding contracts for advanced computing systems, software solutions, and IT consulting services that enhance data-driven decision-making and cybersecurity resilience. He specializes in complex, performance-based acquisitions aligned with modernization goals, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and agency-specific digital transformation priorities. Ricardo maintains consistent working relationships with core contractors including ALPHA OMEGA INTEGRATION LLC and SAMYAK SOLUTIONS, INC., both of which provide specialized IT modernization and systems integration services. He also engages MCKENZIE CONSTRUCTION & SITE DEVELOPMENT LLC for facility-related technical support, reflecting a hybrid approach to infrastructure procurement. His contracting patterns emphasize long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical expertise, past performance, and compliance with federal standards, with a preference for firms demonstrating proven capability in secure, scalable solutions. Ricardo’s procurement portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside approach, indicating a strategic focus on competition based on technical merit and value rather than socioeconomic preferences. While no formal set-asides are utilized, his process ensures full and open competition under FAR Part 15, prioritizing best-value outcomes over socioeconomic categorizations. This approach aligns with the agency’s emphasis on mission readiness and operational efficiency over targeted small business quotas. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 339940 (Office Supplies Manufacturing) and 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting a dual emphasis on physical IT hardware support and advanced software services. He routinely acquires custom software development, cloud-enabled data platforms, cybersecurity tools, and technical consulting services critical to sustaining USDA’s digital ecosystem, demonstrating deep expertise in enterprise IT procurement and systems integration.