Karlicia Orrick

Karlicia Orrick serves as a key procurement lead within the FA4417 1 Socons, a critical unit under the Department of the Air Force responsible for sustaining and modernizing airpower capabilities through advanced communications and defense systems. She manages the acquisition of mission-critical infrastructure, including secure radio and wireless communications equipment, aeronautical navigation systems, and integrated base defense technologies. Her role centers on ensuring timely, compliant, and resilient procurement outcomes that directly support operational readiness and force modernization initiatives across air operations theaters. She routinely handles complex contracts involving both commercial off-the-shelf and custom-engineered solutions for high-assurance military environments. Orrick maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including AANTILIA LLC, MARRERO, COUVILLON & ASSOCIATES, L.L.C., MATTHES PARKER LLC, L1 ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED, and WALCO ENTERPRISES INC. These partnerships reflect a balanced mix of specialized defense contractors and niche service providers with expertise in communications systems, electronic maintenance, and mission support services. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor reliability, often fostering repeat engagements with contractors who demonstrate technical proficiency and compliance with DoD security standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Orrick prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with approximately 50% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and an additional 12.5% reserved for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses. This pattern underscores her commitment to broadening the defense industrial base and enabling entrepreneurial firms to contribute to national security missions. Her contracting strategy aligns with Air Force initiatives to enhance competition and innovation through diverse vendor participation. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 517112 (Wireless Telecommunications Carriers) and 334310 (Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in secure RF systems, tactical communication devices, and avionics integration. She also regularly procures services under 811210 (Electronic Repair and Maintenance) and 611512 (Flight Training), demonstrating a multidisciplinary approach to sustaining air operations through both hardware and human capital solutions.