Richard J. Murphy

Richard J. Murphy serves as a Contracting Officer within the Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912) unit of the U.S. Coast Guard, part of the Department of Homeland Security. He plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support national maritime security, operational readiness, and force modernization. His portfolio encompasses complex procurements for aerospace, maritime, and technical services, including vessel modernization, maritime domain awareness systems, and specialized training solutions. Murphy ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contract awards with the Coast Guard’s mission to enhance coastal patrol capabilities and sustain critical vessel fleets through new construction and technology integration. Murphy maintains longstanding relationships with key shipbuilding and defense contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized maritime platforms and technical support services. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and technical feasibility assessments, particularly for custom-built vessels and integrated sensor systems. He consistently engages with niche industrial vendors capable of meeting the Coast Guard’s unique operational and regulatory requirements. While the majority of his acquisitions—85.7%—are conducted without set-asides, Murphy demonstrates a deliberate commitment to small business participation, with approximately 10.7% of awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. An additional 1.8% of contracts are awarded to Women-Owned Small Businesses and HUBZone firms, reflecting a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission-critical capabilities. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), underscoring expertise in software-enabled maritime systems, data analytics, and command and control infrastructure. He also procures technical training services under NAICS 611519 and 611512, supporting specialized instruction in flight operations and maritime surveillance technologies, ensuring workforce readiness across the Coast Guard’s evolving operational landscape.