Shanel Pagaragan

Richard H. Leistiko serves as a Contracting Officer for the 261-NETWORK Contract Office 21 (36C261) under the Department of Veterans Affairs, where he leads the acquisition of mission-critical medical equipment, surgical supplies, and laboratory instrumentation to sustain and modernize VA healthcare infrastructure. His portfolio centers on procuring high-compliance, FDA-regulated devices and clinical support systems essential for diagnostic, therapeutic, and surgical services across VA medical centers. Leistiko manages the full lifecycle of complex acquisitions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and performance monitoring—ensuring alignment with VA’s mandate to deliver accessible, high-quality care to veterans through technologically advanced medical capabilities. He maintains longstanding relationships with key industry partners including Abbott Laboratories, Cynergy Professional Systems, Integrated Trans Joint Venture, Science Applications International Corporation, and McKenzie Construction & Site Development. These partnerships reflect a mix of large prime contractors delivering specialized medical hardware, clinical IT systems, and facility upgrades, alongside niche vendors providing precision surgical and analytical instruments. Leistiko’s contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, regulatory compliance, and performance-based outcomes, fostering collaborative vendor relationships grounded in reliability and mission alignment. His procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 76.6% of awards issued without set-asides, while maintaining a meaningful commitment to small business participation—particularly through Total Small Business Set-Asides (15.6%) and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Set-Asides (7.8%). This reflects a balanced approach that leverages broad market capabilities while actively advancing socioeconomic goals aligned with VA’s veteran-centric mission. Leistiko’s technical focus is concentrated in NAICS 339113 (Surgical Appliance and Supplies Manufacturing), 334516 (Analytical Laboratory Instrument Manufacturing), and 339112 (Surgical and Medical Instrument Manufacturing), underscoring his expertise in procuring FDA-cleared diagnostic tools, sterilization equipment, and precision surgical devices. He routinely navigates complex regulatory environments, ensuring acquisitions meet clinical, safety, and interoperability standards critical to VA’s healthcare delivery system.