Nick Higashihirachi

Nick Higashihirachi serves as a Contract Officer within the FA5270 18 Cons Pk unit of the Department of the Air Force, responsible for managing mission-critical procurement actions that sustain airfield infrastructure and operational readiness across the Indo-Pacific region. His portfolio centers on securing essential equipment, supplies, and maintenance services required to ensure continuous airfield functionality, facility integrity, and rapid damage repair capabilities. He executes full lifecycle contract actions—from solicitation and evaluation to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and Air Force-specific operational priorities. His work directly supports force projection by enabling the uninterrupted operation of critical military installations. Higashihirachi maintains long-standing relationships with key contractors including GILBANE JAPAN GK and KYUNAN CO., LTD., both of which provide specialized facilities maintenance, equipment supply, and installation support services tailored to military airfield environments. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven regional expertise, technical proficiency in military-grade infrastructure, and demonstrated reliability in high-tempo operational settings. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, stringent quality control, and timely delivery to meet dynamic mission requirements. His procurement activity reflects a strict focus on open competition, with 100% of awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a deliberate emphasis on selecting the most capable and cost-effective offerors regardless of socioeconomic status, prioritizing mission readiness over socioeconomic program participation. While small business participation is not formally targeted, all awards adhere to full and open competition principles under FAR Part 6. Higashihirachi’s primary procurement focus is on NAICS 423850—Service Establishment Equipment and Supplies Merchant Wholesalers—encompassing the acquisition of specialized maintenance tools, airfield lighting systems, ground support equipment, and facility repair materials. His technical domain expertise lies in sustaining aviation infrastructure through reliable supply chains and mission-aligned procurement strategies that prioritize durability, compatibility, and rapid deployment in austere environments.