Ricky L. Edwards

Ricky L. Edwards serves as a Contract Specialist within the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth of the U.S. Coast Guard, where he plays a pivotal role in executing acquisitions that advance the agency’s command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) modernization initiatives. He is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with federal acquisition regulations and strategic maritime domain awareness objectives. His portfolio primarily encompasses technical services supporting navigation, surveillance, and secure communications systems critical to national security and operational resilience across maritime domains. Edwards maintains a consistent working relationship with Trimble Inc., a key contractor providing advanced geospatial and precision positioning technologies essential to Coast Guard C5I infrastructure. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven expertise in mission-critical systems integration, while actively fostering collaboration with small businesses to ensure innovation and agility in procurement outcomes. A defining feature of Edwards’ procurement approach is his exclusive use of Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a robust commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals. He consistently channels opportunities to small businesses, enabling qualified firms to contribute directly to high-impact national security missions without competition from large businesses. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541350, Building Inspection Services, which in this context supports the technical evaluation, integration, and certification of physical and cyber infrastructure components for C5I systems. This specialization underscores his expertise in procuring services related to system compliance, facility readiness, and infrastructure assurance—ensuring that maritime surveillance and communication platforms meet rigorous operational and security standards.