Rick Yao

Rick C. Yao serves as a Contract Specialist within the Federal Acquisition Service’s GSA FAS Region 2, where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support federal operational efficiency. He specializes in procuring mission-critical technical services, including IT infrastructure modernization, systems design, and logistics optimization, aligning with the agency’s mandate to enable agile, scalable government operations. His portfolio consistently includes complex, performance-based contracts for engineering, consulting, and technology integration services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while delivering high-value outcomes for federal stakeholders. Yao cultivates collaborative relationships with a diverse array of vendors, including small businesses, mid-tier technical contractors, and manufacturers of specialized communications and computing equipment. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in transparency, competitive bidding, and performance accountability. He works closely with firms capable of delivering integrated solutions in IT systems design, logistics consulting, and electronic equipment manufacturing, fostering innovation through structured solicitation processes and clear performance metrics. A strong advocate for socioeconomic inclusion, Yao consistently prioritizes small business participation, with over 42% of his awards designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He actively promotes opportunities for service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, which account for 21.4% of his set-asides, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding access for underrepresented vendors. His contracting patterns demonstrate a balanced approach that meets mission needs while advancing national socioeconomic procurement goals. His technical focus centers on NAICS codes related to computer systems design, logistics consulting, and electronic manufacturing, reflecting deep expertise in procuring IT modernization services, data processing infrastructure, and mission-critical hardware. Yao’s acquisitions frequently support federal agencies requiring scalable, secure, and interoperable technology solutions, positioning him as a key enabler of digital transformation across the public sector.