Richard J. Simons

Richard J. Simons serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contract Administration Services Division (70RCAS) of the Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Procurement Operations, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that support national security and operational readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of professional, scientific, and technical service contracts, with a primary focus on research and development in physical and engineering sciences, cybersecurity, and systems engineering. His work ensures the timely delivery of high-integrity technical solutions that underpin DHS’s scientific infrastructure and defense capabilities, aligning procurement activities with strategic agency objectives. Simons collaborates with a diverse array of contractors, including large primes and specialized small businesses delivering advanced R&D, systems integration, and technical consulting services. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages firms with proven expertise in engineering analysis, computational modeling, and computer-related technical services. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, clear statement of work development, and rigorous compliance with federal acquisition regulations, fostering transparent and accountable vendor relationships. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 92.9% of awards issued without set-aside restrictions, underscoring a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic categorization. Nevertheless, he actively supports small business participation, with 7.1% of awards designated for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, demonstrating a measured but intentional commitment to socioeconomic goals within a predominantly open acquisition environment. Simons specializes in NAICS 541712 and 541715, overseeing acquisitions for physical and engineering research, complemented by significant activity in 541519 (other computer-related services) and 541690 (scientific consulting). His portfolio centers on advanced technical services—including systems engineering, data analysis, and laboratory support—rather than commercial goods, reflecting a deep domain expertise in science and technology procurement aligned with DHS’s R&D mission.