Samuel Rhoades

Samuel Rhoades serves as the primary Point of Contact for USCG/CG-C5I, a critical component of the Department of Homeland Security tasked with modernizing cyber-enabled command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence (C5I) systems. In this role, he facilitates the acquisition lifecycle for mission-critical digital infrastructure, ensuring alignment with Coast Guard operational resilience and maritime domain awareness objectives. He coordinates closely with technical stakeholders and procurement teams to define requirements, issue solicitations, and manage contract execution for IT modernization initiatives, particularly those involving cloud-enabled platforms, cyber defense tools, and intelligence fusion systems. His work directly supports the agency’s strategic imperative to secure and scale secure, scalable digital architectures across distributed maritime operations. While no specific contractor relationships are currently documented, Rhoades engages with a diverse pool of vendors specializing in computing infrastructure, data processing, and event logistics services. His procurement patterns suggest a preference for agile, performance-based contracting approaches, often involving hybrid teams of large and small businesses to deliver integrated C5I solutions. He works closely with technical evaluators and acquisition specialists to ensure vendor proposals meet stringent cybersecurity standards, including NIST SP 800-53 and CMMC compliance. Rhoades demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 66.7% of his acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster innovation and capacity-building among small businesses, particularly those certified under 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs. His contracting patterns consistently prioritize small business participation as a core element of mission success. His primary NAICS focus areas include 518210 for computing infrastructure and data hosting services, and 561920 for convention and trade show organizers—indicating a dual emphasis on technical IT procurement and mission support events such as cyber defense workshops and interagency coordination forums. He specializes in acquiring cloud migration services, secure data processing platforms, and operational readiness events that enhance C5I interoperability across Coast Guard units.