Rachel C. Hier

Rachel C. Hier serves as a Senior Contracting Officer within the General Services Administration’s Federal Acquisition Service, Region 9, where she leads the acquisition of mission-critical professional, scientific, and technical services to support federal operational efficiency and digital transformation. Her portfolio centers on complex procurements under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, with a focus on information technology, educational services, and facility support solutions. She manages full lifecycle contracting activities—from market research and solicitation development to source selection and contract administration—ensuring alignment with GSA’s strategic goals of innovation, resilience, and workforce enablement. Rachel’s expertise lies in structuring performance-based contracts that deliver high-value outcomes across dynamic federal environments. Rachel collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of vendors, including large systems integrators, specialized IT service providers, and educational institutions, to fulfill technical and operational requirements. While no single contractor dominates her portfolio, her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach that prioritizes competitive bidding and vendor capability over sole-source reliance. She actively engages with industry through pre-solicitation outreach and market forums to foster transparency and encourage innovation in service delivery. Rachel demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly one-third of her awards directed to 8(a) competed set-asides, reflecting a deliberate strategy to expand opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses. The majority of her acquisitions remain open to full and open competition, yet she consistently integrates small business participation goals into solicitation design and evaluation criteria, reinforcing GSA’s mandate to promote equitable access to federal contracts. Her primary procurement focus spans NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 611310 (Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools), and 611699 (All Other Miscellaneous Schools and Instruction), indicating deep engagement with IT modernization, workforce training, and educational support services. Rachel specializes in acquiring cloud-enabled solutions, cybersecurity training, curriculum development, and technical assistance programs that directly enhance federal workforce capabilities and institutional resilience.