Richard H. Harris

Richard H. Harris serves as a Contract Specialist within the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions that support the modernization of command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) systems. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of procurement—from requirements validation and market research to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with national maritime security objectives. Harris specializes in procurements for advanced maritime surveillance, secure communication networks, navigation infrastructure, and cyber-enabled intelligence platforms, often managing high-stakes, mission-critical contracts that demand rigorous technical compliance and interoperability standards. His primary contractor relationships center on Trimble Inc., a leading provider of precision positioning, navigation, and timing technologies critical to Coast Guard operational systems. Harris fosters strategic, long-term vendor partnerships with firms capable of delivering integrated C5I solutions, emphasizing proven technical capability, cybersecurity adherence, and system scalability. His engagement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with demonstrated experience in defense and maritime environments, ensuring reliable delivery of mission-essential capabilities. Harris’s contracting portfolio reflects a 100% non-set-aside profile, indicating a consistent focus on open competition to ensure the broadest possible access to technical innovation and performance excellence. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, his acquisitions remain fully compliant with all federal procurement regulations and emphasize value-driven outcomes over socioeconomic categorization. His technical domain expertise lies in procurements governed by NAICS categories related to telecommunications, electronic systems integration, and defense information technology. He routinely acquires hardware and software solutions for real-time data fusion, satellite-enabled navigation, secure data links, and cyber-resilient command systems—directly supporting the Coast Guard’s mission to enhance maritime domain awareness and operational resilience across all domains.