Octavia Hicks

Octavia L. Hicks serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex procurements in support of federal research, development, and aerospace initiatives. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation while advancing mission-critical capabilities through competitive, transparent, and efficient contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development services in physical and engineering sciences, alongside specialized aircraft manufacturing requirements. Hicks exercises full contracting authority from solicitation through award and administration, ensuring alignment with statutory mandates and agency objectives. Her contractor relationships are characterized by engagement with a diverse pool of technical service providers, particularly firms with deep expertise in scientific R&D and advanced manufacturing. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, she consistently collaborates with mid-to-large prime contractors capable of delivering high-complexity, low-volume solutions under performance-based contract structures. Her approach emphasizes technical merit, past performance, and capability over cost alone, fostering long-term partnerships with vendors who demonstrate innovation and regulatory compliance. Hicks demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with 96.9% of her acquisitions conducted without set-asides, reflecting a focus on broad market access and technical readiness. However, she actively supports small business participation, with 3.1% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Her contracting patterns indicate a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic goals, prioritizing small businesses that can meet stringent technical requirements without compromising mission outcomes. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 and 541715, encompassing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences excluding biotechnology and nanotechnology, as well as NAICS 336411 for aircraft manufacturing. She procures a range of services including experimental testing, systems engineering, prototype development, and specialized manufacturing, requiring deep domain knowledge in aerospace systems, laboratory instrumentation, and advanced materials. Her expertise ensures that technical acquisitions are both compliant and mission-effective.