Richard T. Bend

Richard T. Bend serves as a key procurement lead within the FA2823 AFTC PZIO under the Department of the Air Force, overseeing acquisitions critical to the modernization of aerospace test and evaluation infrastructure. Responsible for managing contracts that support the development and integration of high-precision avionics, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence systems, Bend ensures alignment with mission-critical requirements for airborne and ground-based sensing technologies. His portfolio focuses on construction and infrastructure upgrades necessary to sustain advanced test ranges, instrumentation labs, and electromagnetic compatibility facilities essential to Air Force readiness. Bend maintains consistent working relationships with a select group of contractors including TOM HAMMONDS ENTERPRISES, LLC, STREET LEGAL INDUSTRIES, INC, SPEEGLE CONSTRUCTION, INC, DETECT INC, and THE CONTROLS COMPANY, LLC. These partnerships reflect a preference for specialized firms capable of delivering integrated solutions in facility modernization, electrical systems, and technical instrumentation support. His contracting approach emphasizes reliability, technical compliance, and timely delivery within constrained operational environments. Bend demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 50% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and 25% designated for women-owned small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to broaden vendor diversity while ensuring access to niche capabilities. The remaining 25% of contracts are open competition, allowing for flexibility when specialized expertise is required beyond small business capacity. His procurement focus is heavily concentrated in construction and facility support NAICS categories: 238330 (Flooring Contractors), 238910 (Site Preparation), 238120 (Structural Steel and Precast Concrete), and 238210 (Electrical Contractors). These reflect the agency’s need for robust, electromagnetic-shielded, and mission-qualified infrastructure to support sensitive test and evaluation operations, underscoring his expertise in integrating physical infrastructure with advanced aerospace systems.