Rick Phillips

Rick Phillips serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, with a dedicated focus on research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences. He plays a critical role in advancing the agency’s mission by ensuring timely, compliant, and strategic procurement of technical services that support scientific innovation. His portfolio primarily encompasses contracts for applied research, laboratory support, engineering analysis, and experimental development services, often requiring specialized technical expertise and rigorous performance evaluation. Phillips is known for his thorough application of FAR provisions and his emphasis on performance-based contracting to drive measurable outcomes. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Phillips maintains a consistent procurement pattern centered on small business participation, fostering relationships with a diverse array of qualified vendors capable of delivering high-complexity R&D solutions. His working relationships are characterized by proactive engagement during market research, early vendor outreach, and transparent communication throughout the solicitation and award phases. He prioritizes collaborative partnerships that encourage innovation and capacity building among emerging technical firms. Phillips demonstrates an unwavering commitment to socioeconomic goals, with 100% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to maximize opportunities for small businesses, including those owned by women, veterans, and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, without preference for any single program like 8(a) or HUBZone. His approach ensures broad access to federal contracts while maintaining competitive integrity and fostering a resilient small business ecosystem. His primary technical focus is on NAICS 541712, encompassing research and development in physical, engineering, and life sciences—excluding biotechnology. He routinely procures services such as experimental design, data modeling, prototype development, and scientific testing, requiring deep domain knowledge in engineering disciplines, laboratory operations, and technical project management. His expertise ensures that acquisitions align with cutting-edge scientific needs while adhering to federal acquisition standards.