Richard D. Ehlert, having recently retired after more than 20 years of state service, is currently employed at the Health & Human Services Commission serving as Technical Advisor to the HHSC Procurement and Contracting Services Division.
Prior to his retirement, Richard served as the procurement director at HHSC and oversaw construction and deferred maintenance awards for state hospitals and state supported living centers, totaling up to $2 billion in appropriated funds each biennium. Previous to his position at HHSC, Richard was the procurement director for the Texas Facilities Commission for 15 years, following three years at the Texas Building and Procurement Commission serving as internal procurement director and HUB coordinator. Appropriations and awards during this period exceeded $20 billion.
Prior to beginning work at the State of Texas in 2001, Richard worked for technology manufacturer for 14 years as a senior purchaser and global sourcing specialist, and at technology firm as site procurement director for 3.5 years.
Richard has also taught required training and certification classes for the Comptroller of Public Accounts Statewide Procurement Division, including classes for State of Texas Purchaser certification and continuing education, has created curriculum and taught classes for TxPPA, TAPP, University of Texas and other state and city entities, including presentations at HUB Expos for purchasers and vendors regarding formal solicitation processes. This effort includes the Request for Proposal solicitation process and how vendors can be successful in earning publicly solicited contracts.