Caroline Root

Caroline Root serves as a key procurement lead at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, supporting the agency’s mission to advance human spaceflight systems and life sciences research. She manages complex acquisitions for critical computing infrastructure and data services that underpin mission operations, spacecraft control systems, and microgravity research platforms. Her work directly enables the development and sustainment of next-generation technologies for crewed missions to low Earth orbit, the Moon, and beyond. Root specializes in soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts for high-assurance computing environments, real-time data processing, and secure cloud-based mission support systems, ensuring alignment with NASA’s stringent safety and reliability standards. Her primary contractor relationships center on Sierra Space Corp, Aspera Biomedicines, Inc., and Single Crystal Diamond Inc., reflecting a focus on cutting-edge aerospace systems, biotechnology for space physiology, and advanced materials for radiation shielding. She also collaborates with Wright & Dalbin Architects Inc. for specialized facility integration supporting mission-critical computing environments. Root’s contracting approach emphasizes technical excellence, performance-based outcomes, and long-term vendor partnerships grounded in rigorous compliance with federal acquisition regulations and mission-specific requirements. Root’s procurement portfolio is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic prioritization of technical capability and mission readiness over socioeconomic set-asides, ensuring access to the most advanced solutions available in the marketplace. While small business participation is not formally targeted, vendors of all sizes are evaluated on merit, innovation, and proven performance in high-stakes space environments. Her domain expertise is concentrated in NAICS 518210—Computing Infrastructure Providers, Data Processing, Web Hosting, and Related Services. She procures secure, scalable data centers, high-performance computing clusters, real-time telemetry systems, and mission-critical software platforms essential for life sciences research and spacecraft guidance. Root’s work ensures that NASA’s human exploration programs operate on resilient, future-proof digital infrastructure.