Rhiannon Gabel

Rhiannon Gabel serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions in advanced scientific and defense technology domains. She plays a pivotal role in executing the agency’s procurement mission by ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while fostering innovation through competitive, transparent contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily encompasses research and development contracts, propulsion systems, and space technology initiatives, requiring deep technical understanding and rigorous source selection procedures. She routinely handles both full and open competitions and set-aside procurements, balancing mission needs with statutory socioeconomic goals. While specific contractor names are not available, Rhiannon maintains relationships with a diverse range of vendors, including prime contractors with expertise in aerospace engineering, physical sciences R&D, and space systems integration. She engages with both large defense contractors and specialized small businesses, emphasizing performance-based contracting and risk mitigation through clear statement of work development and robust evaluation criteria. Her approach prioritizes long-term vendor collaboration grounded in technical excellence and regulatory adherence. Rhiannon demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 25% of her awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Although she predominantly conducts full and open competitions—accounting for 75% of her activity—she strategically employs small business set-asides to expand the pool of qualified innovators in high-tech sectors. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced approach that supports socioeconomic objectives without compromising mission readiness or technical rigor. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (541712 and 541715), Space Research and Technology (927110), and Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Propulsion Manufacturing (336415). She procures advanced scientific instrumentation, propulsion components, and space-based research systems, demonstrating specialized expertise in engineering R&D, aerospace innovation, and national security technology development.