Nicholas Risi

Nicholas Risi is a procurement professional responsible for managing complex acquisitions within the aerospace and defense sector, with a primary focus on aircraft propulsion systems and auxiliary equipment manufacturing. He plays a critical role in executing the agency’s mission-critical procurement strategy, ensuring timely and compliant delivery of high-performance engineering components and related services. His portfolio centers on technical acquisitions governed by FAR Part 15, often involving competitive sealed bidding and negotiated contracts for specialized aerospace hardware, including turbine components, flight control systems, and mission-critical avionics. His work directly supports national security and aviation infrastructure modernization initiatives. Risi maintains a broad network of industrial suppliers, primarily engaging with Tier 1 and Tier 2 manufacturers in the aerospace supply chain, as well as engineering services firms specializing in systems integration and technical validation. While no single contractor dominates his award profile, his contracting patterns reflect a preference for established defense contractors with proven quality systems and AS9100 certification, alongside qualified small businesses capable of meeting stringent military specifications. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracting and rigorous technical evaluation criteria. His procurement approach is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 95.2% of awards issued under full and open competition, reflecting a mission-driven priority for technical capability over socioeconomic preferences. However, he consistently allocates 4.8% of his portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to small business participation without compromising mission readiness or technical standards. Risi’s technical focus is concentrated in NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing) and 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), with secondary emphasis on engineering services and specialized metering device manufacturing. He procures high-integrity components requiring stringent certification, including turbine blades, fuel injection systems, and flight-critical sensors, underscoring deep domain expertise in aerospace systems engineering and defense procurement compliance.