Richard Howard

Richard D. Howard serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirement development and solicitation to contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations, including the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), while supporting mission-critical procurement needs across defense and infrastructure domains. His portfolio primarily encompasses complex technical acquisitions involving specialized manufacturing and construction services, requiring deep subject matter expertise and rigorous contract oversight to ensure performance, cost efficiency, and regulatory adherence. Howard maintains a broad contractor network across defense, communications, and infrastructure sectors, engaging with both prime contractors and tiered subcontractors to deliver high-performance equipment and systems. He routinely collaborates with manufacturers of heavy-duty military vehicles, radio and communications equipment, and specialized HVAC systems, fostering partnerships grounded in technical capability, past performance, and regulatory compliance. His contracting approach emphasizes competitive solicitation, clear performance metrics, and accountability throughout contract execution. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for unrestricted competitions, with 100% of his awards issued under open, non-set-aside solicitations. This indicates a focus on maximizing competition and selecting vendors based on technical merit and value, rather than socioeconomic designations. While he does not prioritize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, his approach aligns with mission-driven requirements that demand specialized capabilities often found in larger, technically advanced firms. Howard’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336120 (Heavy Duty Truck Manufacturing), 336992 (Military Armored Vehicle Manufacturing), 334220 (Radio and Wireless Communications Equipment Manufacturing), and 238220 (Plumbing, Heating, and Air-Conditioning Contractors). He specializes in acquiring ruggedized military vehicles, secure communications hardware, and mission-critical environmental control systems, demonstrating deep technical fluency in defense logistics and infrastructure support domains.