Richard Atha

Richard Atha serves as a Contract Specialist at the Aviation Logistics Center (ALC) of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical aviation sustainment capabilities. He manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions for spare parts, avionics, and auxiliary equipment essential to maintaining the Coast Guard’s rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft fleet, including legacy platforms such as the MH-65E Dauphin and HC-144 Ocean Sentry. His acquisitions are strategically aligned with the ALC’s mission to ensure operational readiness through reliable parts supply, maintenance support, and systems modernization, primarily utilizing FAR Part 15 negotiated procedures for complex technical requirements. Atha maintains consistent contracting relationships with key industry partners including ROCKWELL COLLINS, INC., AIRBUS US SPACE & DEFENSE INC, AVIATRIX INC, and GOLDBELT INTEGRATED LOGISTICS SERVICES, LLC, reflecting a preference for established defense and aerospace contractors with proven capabilities in aviation maintenance and avionics integration. These partnerships are characterized by long-term sustainment contracts, technical support agreements, and aftermarket service arrangements that ensure continuity of supply for aging aircraft systems. His procurement portfolio is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 90.6% of awards issued under full and open competition, indicating a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic preferences. However, he consistently allocates 9.4% of awards to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but active commitment to small business participation within the constraints of mission-critical requirements. Atha’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), followed by 334511 (Aeronautical System and Instrument Manufacturing) and 488190 (Other Support Activities for Air Transportation). He specializes in acquiring certified aviation components, maintenance kits, navigation systems, and logistics support services, requiring deep technical understanding of FAA and military airworthiness standards, supply chain traceability, and configuration control in aerospace environments.