Autumn James

Autumn James serves as a key procurement lead within the FA8121 office of the Department of the Air Force, responsible for managing acquisitions critical to the sustainment and modernization of advanced aircraft propulsion systems. Focused on the F100 engine series and other flight-critical turbine components, she oversees the full lifecycle of contracts spanning repair, overhaul, and production of high-performance engine parts. Her work directly supports operational readiness for fighter and bomber fleets, ensuring mission-critical propulsion systems meet stringent military specifications. She routinely handles complex technical procurements under FAR Part 15, with emphasis on performance-based contracting and engineering support services. James maintains enduring relationships with leading aerospace and industrial contractors including Ferrotherm Corp, Woodward HRT Inc, Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, and RTX Corporation, partnering with firms possessing specialized capabilities in high-temperature alloys, precision machining, and turbine blade restoration. Her contracting approach prioritizes long-term vendor collaboration, leveraging technical expertise to ensure compliance with military standards such as MIL-SPEC and AS9100. She consistently engages suppliers with proven track records in aerospace propulsion maintenance and advanced materials manufacturing. A strong advocate for small business participation, James structures approximately two-thirds of her acquisitions as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, actively promoting opportunities for small disadvantaged, HUBZone, and service-disabled veteran-owned firms. Her socioeconomic strategy reflects a deliberate commitment to broadening the industrial base and fostering innovation among niche suppliers with specialized capabilities in engine component repair and precision manufacturing. Her procurement portfolio is heavily concentrated in NAICS 336412 (Aircraft Engine and Engine Parts Manufacturing), with significant activity in 331110 (iron and steel mills), 333415 (commercial heating/cooling equipment), and 811310 (industrial machinery repair). She specializes in sourcing high-integrity components, including turbine blades, fuel nozzles, and thermal barrier coatings, demonstrating deep technical fluency in jet engine systems and advanced metallurgical processes.