Robert Piston

Robert Piston serves as a Contracting Officer for the Defense Health Agency (HT9406), where he manages the acquisition of critical technology and support services essential to operational medical readiness. His portfolio focuses on securing advanced clinical systems, secure data infrastructure, and mission-critical equipment to support global DoD healthcare operations. Piston specializes in complex procurements involving custom software development, diagnostic and surgical technology, and integrated security services, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning with DHA’s modernization priorities. He plays a pivotal role in translating clinical requirements into legally sound, performance-based contracts that enhance care delivery and system interoperability. Piston maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of contractors including DEPENDABLE ON-SITE SCAN & SHRED, INC., HANITH BIOSCIENCE, LLC, LIVION TECHNOLOGY, LLC, I-2-I SOLUTIONS, INC., and DRAEGER INC. These partnerships reflect a preference for established vendors with proven capabilities in healthcare IT, medical device support, and secure information handling. His contracting approach emphasizes vendor reliability, technical expertise, and adherence to DoD cybersecurity standards, fostering long-term collaborations grounded in performance metrics and service-level accountability. Piston’s acquisition portfolio reflects a 100% preference for full and open competition, with no set-asides designated for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic categories. While he does not currently utilize small business set-asides, his procurement strategy prioritizes technical excellence and mission-critical capability over socioeconomic preferences, ensuring the highest standards of performance for DHA’s global healthcare mission. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), accounting for half of his activity, followed by NAICS 423430 (Computer and Peripheral Equipment Wholesalers) and NAICS 561621 (Security Systems Services). He regularly procures bespoke clinical software, secure medical data systems, diagnostic equipment, and physical and cyber security infrastructure, demonstrating deep expertise in health IT modernization and defense medical technology domains.