First Principles & Concepts

Building Solutions from the Ground Up

First Principles & Concepts was built on the foundation of First Principles Thinking, a problem-solving approach that breaks down complex challenges into fundamental truths. As a company, we apply this methodology to every objective we face, allowing us to develop innovative, efficient, and strategic solutions. By questioning assumptions and focusing on core principles, we ensure that our decisions and actions are driven by logic, clarity, and long-term success.

Guided by Purpose, Driven by Excellence

Mission

We aim to cultivate enduring partnerships that will transform professional services by delivering efficient and impactful client solutions, relentlessly pursuing a commitment to employee well-being, and collectively strengthening the communities we serve.

Vision

We exist to provide trusted business and administrative solutions to organizations and agencies in energy, healthcare, and transportation. We lead with integrity, agility, and an unwavering dedication to success in a supportive and rewarding environment.

Values

Integrity - We uphold honesty, responsibility, and hard work, always keeping our promises, respecting others, and giving credit where it’s due.

Agile Thinking - We foster collaboration, embrace change, and continuously improve processes by introducing new ideas, implementing technology, and enhancing service delivery.

Service Excellence - We prioritize customer needs by proactively seeking feedback, tailoring solutions, displaying empathy, and ensuring every interaction exceeds expectations.

Charles Hargett, President & Chief Executive Officer

Charles Hargett, known by colleagues and clients as Charlie, is an expert in government procurement and federal acquisition strategy with over 12 years of experience spanning both the government and private sectors.

He has built his career around helping small businesses succeed in the federal marketplace, leading efforts that have delivered more than $75 billion in contract awards. A former U.S. Air Force contract specialist, Charles has also served in leadership roles with the U.S. Navy, U.S. Army, Defense Health Agency, and Department of Energy, providing strategic guidance on some of the government’s most complex and high-value programs.

At FP&C, Charles leads the company’s mission to equip federal partners with innovative, first-principles solutions that strengthen readiness, reliability, and results. He is known for his ability to simplify complex acquisition challenges, build high-performing teams, and drive measurable impact for clients and stakeholders.

Charles holds an MBA, a Master’s degree in Acquisition Management, and Level III certifications in both Contracting and Program Management.

When he’s not working, Charlie can often be found golfing, mountain biking, hiking, snowboarding, or just about any other outdoor activity Colorado has to offer.

Karen Upton,

Chief of Operations & People Strategy

Karen Upton is a seasoned operations and people leader with 30+ years of experience in government contracting and the private sector. She has built a career helping organizations align people, processes, and technology to drive results, from founding Infinity Road HR to guiding Near Infinity Corporation through its full lifecycle with 95%+ staff retention. Earlier in her career, she held leadership roles at Lockheed Martin, SAIC, and Northrop Grumman, where she led training initiatives for large federal programs.

At FP&C, Karen leads operational and people strategy, ensuring the right systems, talent, and culture are in place to keep the business competitive and ready for what’s next. She’s known for empowering teams, improving efficiency, and creating workplaces where people can thrive. Karen holds a BA in English from George Mason University.

Outside of work, she enjoys baking sourdough, gardening, and spending time on Lake Michigan with family and friends. In the fall, she travels to Blacksburg, Virginia, to cheer on the Hokies with her VT alum husband and daughters.

Ric Schweitzer,

Director of Delivery

Ric Schweitzer is a senior federal acquisition executive with more than 25 years of experience leading procurement operations and managing high-performing acquisition teams across DOT, DOE, DOD, and DOI.

He brings deep expertise in full lifecycle contracting, regulatory compliance, and operational oversight, building acquisition teams from the ground up, implementing controls that reduce rework, and guiding senior leaders on procurement strategy and risk mitigation.

As FP&C’s Director of Delivery, Ric ensures programs and contracts are executed with precision, accountability, and measurable results. He’s known for balancing compliance with agility, mentoring teams, and creating structures that keep projects on track and clients confident.

Ric holds an Executive Certificate in Public Policy from Harvard Kennedy School, an M.S. in Acquisition Management, a B.S. in Security Management, and dual A.A.S. degrees in Contracts Management and Criminal Justice.

When he’s not working, Ric enjoys travelling the world with his wife.

Our Current Contract Vehicles

We are a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business professional services company providing Management Consulting, Health IT, and Program Management services.

Veterans Administration (VA)

AVAIL Contract Number –

36C10X22D0028

Administration (GSA)

Multiple Award Schedule (MAS)

Contract Number – 47QTCA23D00DE

SINs 541330ENG, 54151HEAL, 541611,

541690, 541715

Karen Upton - Chief of Operations & People Strategy

With over 25 years of experience in business operations, workforce strategy, and organizational development, Karen Upton has helped companies navigate growth, streamline operations, and build high-performing teams, particularly in federal contracting and technology. She played a key role in cultivating a 95% employee retention rate at Near Infinity and, as the Founder of Infinity Road HR, helped startups establish strong operational foundations. Now leading daily operations at FP&C Consulting, she drives process optimization and strategic initiatives to support long-term growth and enhance service to federal clients. A George Mason University graduate, Karen is committed to fostering a culture of philanthropy that empowers individuals and strengthens communities.

Katherine Brose - Director of General Communications Strategy

Katherine has been with FP&C Consulting since 2021 in a variety of roles. She's a little bit of a "Jill of All Trades", having done everything from identifying opportunities to marketing, running and designing webinars, posting on social media, and quite a bit of proposal writing. Her background in education really shines when it comes to creative endeavors and writing. When she's not working, you can usually find her outside hiking, running, and mountaineering. If she's stuck indoors, she enjoys reading, practicing piano, and playing videogames. Her best piece of advice for both professional and personal life is to not be afraid to try. You never know until you do!

Jacqueline Bol - Program Manager

Jacqueline Bol is an experienced professional with expertise in IT, healthcare, fintech, and government contracting. She specializes in overseeing government contracts, supporting proposal development, and managing projects from inception to completion, ensuring efficiency and successful outcomes.

Jessica Rodriguez - Operations Manager

Jessica Rodriguez is the Operations Manager at FP&C and has been with the company for over two years. As a new mom, she balances the demands of motherhood and work while finding joy in both. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling with her family and prioritizes helping others whenever she can. Dedicated to keeping daily operations running smoothly, Jessica brings a strong sense of organization and commitment to her role at FP&C.

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Customer Success Stories

" FP&C has been and contuines to be integral to our successful completion of this project. The expertise they bring to the table is the best and i can't think of anything more they could do for us. They exceeded our expectations and can't thank them enough for the work they do for us."

" FP&C has significantly broadened our horizons and positioned us to win contract opportunities we never would have known were available"

" FP&C was highly engaged throughout the project, and we will definitely continue our business relationship with the firm for future projects. They exceeded our expectations and fit right into our team to complete the work in a timely manner."