Richard A Jacobs

Richard A. Jacobs serves as Contracts Manager for the Department of the Air Force’s FA7014 office, where he oversees the acquisition of professional services critical to sustaining and modernizing Air Force operational readiness. His portfolio centers on Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA), cybersecurity infrastructure, enterprise IT modernization, and mission-critical analytics. Jacobs manages full lifecycle procurements under FAR Part 15, leveraging competitive negotiation strategies to ensure technical excellence and mission alignment. He plays a pivotal role in translating complex operational requirements into solicitation packages that attract qualified vendors capable of delivering high-assurance solutions in rapidly evolving technological domains. Jacobs maintains strategic relationships with key contractors including SIGMATECH, INC. and Purdue University, reflecting a balanced approach between industry specialists and academic research partners. His contracting patterns emphasize long-term, performance-based engagements that integrate technical innovation with institutional knowledge. He frequently collaborates with firms offering advanced analytics, cybersecurity engineering, and mission support services, favoring vendors with proven expertise in DoD compliance, CMMC alignment, and agile development methodologies. These partnerships are characterized by sustained collaboration, iterative requirements refinement, and risk-sharing frameworks aligned with Air Force modernization goals. Jacobs demonstrates a robust commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 83.9% of his acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. His procurement strategy prioritizes small business participation across multiple categories, ensuring broad access for disadvantaged and service-disabled veteran-owned firms. This pattern underscores a deliberate effort to cultivate a resilient, diverse supplier base capable of supporting niche technical requirements while advancing DoD’s small business goals. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334310 (Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing) and 711510 (Independent Artists, Writers, and Performers), reflecting a unique blend of technical hardware and creative services procurement. He acquires specialized media production, digital simulation tools, and training content development services critical to mission rehearsal, cyber defense training, and operational communications. This uncommon convergence of manufacturing and creative industries highlights his expertise in integrating multimedia and technical systems for defense applications.