Artra C, Thompson

Artra Thompson serves as a key procurement professional at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, supporting the development of advanced propulsion systems, space vehicle technologies, and mission-critical computational infrastructure for deep space exploration. Responsible for managing complex acquisitions aligned with the Center’s Moon to Mars architecture goals, Thompson oversees contracts for high-performance computing, software systems, and engineering services essential to propulsion testing and real-time data analysis. Their work directly enables the agency’s mission to pioneer next-generation rocket engines and spaceflight systems by ensuring timely access to cutting-edge technologies and specialized technical expertise. Thompson maintains strong, ongoing relationships with leading contractors including Bastion Technologies Inc. and Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, both of which provide specialized engineering, software development, and systems integration services critical to NASA’s propulsion and avionics programs. These partnerships reflect a pattern of sustained collaboration with vendors possessing deep domain knowledge in aerospace systems, simulation tools, and mission-critical software platforms. The working relationships are characterized by technical alignment, performance-driven contract management, and a focus on innovation in high-reliability environments. While the majority of Thompson’s acquisitions are conducted as unrestricted competitions (83.3%), a consistent 16.7% of contracts are set aside for total small business participation under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to expanding opportunities for small businesses with relevant aerospace and IT capabilities. There is no evidence of preference for 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, indicating a focus on capability over socioeconomic classification, with small business engagement centered on technical merit and capacity. Thompson’s procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 334111 (Electronic Computer Manufacturing) and 513210 (Software Publishers), reflecting a core need for embedded systems, flight-grade computing hardware, and mission software. An additional 20% of activity falls under 541330 (Engineering Services), underscoring demand for specialized aerospace engineering support. The recurring focus on 519190 (Other Information Services) further highlights procurement of data analytics, modeling, and simulation platforms integral to propulsion testbed operations and mission planning.