Richard R. Shipman

SSgt Richard R. Shipman serves as a contracting specialist within the FA4800 633 Cons Pkp under the Department of the Air Force, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that sustain Air Force infrastructure and operational readiness. He manages a diverse portfolio of technical and facility-based procurements, with a strong emphasis on IT modernization, cybersecurity resilience, and base operations support. His responsibilities include soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts in alignment with FAR and Air Force acquisition directives, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements while advancing the agency’s priorities in communications, computing systems, and installation sustainment. Shipman maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including IMAGE BUSINESS INTERIORS LLC and NEXTGRADE INC, both of which provide specialized services in facility modernization and IT systems integration. His procurement approach emphasizes collaborative vendor engagement, leveraging long-term partnerships to deliver scalable, secure, and mission-aligned solutions. He frequently works with firms capable of delivering turnkey services across complex operational environments, ensuring seamless alignment between contractor deliverables and Air Force installation requirements. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Shipman consistently prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with over two-thirds of his awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and one-third awarded through 8(a) competed contracts. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to foster economic opportunity while enhancing competition and innovation among disadvantaged small businesses. His technical focus centers on NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), and 236220 (Commercial and Institutional Building Construction), reflecting expertise in IT modernization, systems architecture, and facility infrastructure development. He procures end-to-end solutions ranging from custom software development and network security systems to facility upgrades that support airfield and base operations, demonstrating deep domain knowledge in both digital and physical infrastructure modernization.