Rick A Porter

Rick Porter serves as a key procurement lead within the FA2823 AFTC PZIO, a specialized unit of the Department of the Air Force focused on advancing airborne and ground-based sensing, communication, and test instrumentation systems. He manages acquisitions for high-precision avionics, electronic warfare, and signal intelligence platforms, ensuring the integration of cutting-edge measurement and control technologies critical to aerospace mission readiness. His portfolio centers on test and evaluation infrastructure modernization, with a strong emphasis on electromagnetic compatibility, data acquisition systems, and real-time signal processing hardware and software. Porter’s work directly supports the Air Force’s operational test and evaluation lifecycle, bridging technical requirements with compliant contracting practices. While specific contractor names are not publicly available, Porter engages with a diverse ecosystem of vendors specializing in aerospace-grade instrumentation, embedded systems, and mission-critical software development. His procurement patterns reflect collaboration with both established defense primes and niche technical firms capable of delivering ruggedized, field-deployable systems. He frequently works with contractors possessing ITAR compliance, ISO 9001 certification, and experience in DoD test range modernization programs, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in technical rigor and supply chain resilience. Porter demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly half of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He also routinely utilizes 8(a) competed contracts, reflecting a deliberate strategy to cultivate innovation from disadvantaged and socioeconomically disadvantaged firms. His contracting approach aligns with Air Force goals to expand the defense industrial base by empowering small businesses with niche capabilities in sensing and control systems. His primary NAICS focus includes 811219 for calibration and repair of measurement equipment, 334519 for specialized measuring and controlling devices, and 541519 for custom software and data analysis services. These reflect deep expertise in procuring precision instrumentation, embedded firmware, and test automation solutions critical to maintaining air dominance through advanced test and evaluation capabilities.