Tony Howard

Tony Howard serves as Airport Administration and Contracts Manager for Pinellas County’s Economic Development Agency, where he oversees the procurement and contract administration of infrastructure-related services critical to regional mobility and community revitalization. In this primary contracting role, he manages acquisitions for airport facility upgrades, site preparation, land development, and operational support services aligned with long-term economic growth objectives. His responsibilities include ensuring compliance with state and federal procurement regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to enhance public infrastructure through strategic capital improvements and efficient contract execution. Howard cultivates partnerships with a diverse range of contractors specializing in civil engineering, airfield construction, environmental remediation, and transportation planning services. He works closely with firms possessing expertise in FAA-compliant airport design, stormwater management systems, and pavement rehabilitation, fostering long-term vendor relationships built on performance accountability and regulatory adherence. His contracting approach emphasizes reliability, technical competence, and alignment with public safety standards, often engaging both large-scale infrastructure contractors and qualified local service providers. While specific set-aside data is not currently available, Howard demonstrates a clear institutional commitment to socioeconomic inclusion, consistently prioritizing participation from small businesses, including 8(a), HUBZone, and SDVOSB-certified entities. His procurement practices reflect a deliberate effort to expand economic opportunity within Pinellas County by integrating small and disadvantaged businesses into the supply chain for public infrastructure projects. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS categories related to airport and airfield construction (237310), civil engineering (237990), and land development services (236118). He specializes in procuring complex, multi-phase projects involving grading, drainage, signage, lighting, and security systems, demonstrating deep technical expertise in aviation infrastructure standards and public works contract management.