Charles W. James

Charles W. James serves as a Contracting Officer within the Detention Compliance and Removals unit of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, where he is responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions supporting secure detention operations and removal logistics. His portfolio encompasses contracts for personnel security, detainee services, facility maintenance, and transportation support, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and DHS operational standards. James plays a critical role in aligning acquisition strategies with the agency’s mission to maintain safe, lawful, and humane detention environments while upholding accountability and efficiency across federal contracting practices. James maintains established relationships with key contractors including B.I. Incorporated, Acentra Health LLC, and Ardent Group, LLC, which provide specialized services in security operations, healthcare support for detainees, and operational logistics. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor partnerships, fostering reliability and continuity in mission-critical services. He frequently engages contractors with demonstrated expertise in detention facility management and compliance-driven service delivery, ensuring alignment with ICE’s stringent operational requirements. His procurement strategy reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5 and an additional 16.7% awarded through 8(a) competed contracts. While half of his acquisitions remain open to all competitors, James consistently prioritizes opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses, reinforcing the agency’s mandate to promote equitable access to federal contracting. James’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services), reflecting the agency’s reliance on trained personnel for facility security and detainee oversight. He also procures services under NAICS 238290 (building equipment contractors), 562111 (solid waste collection), and 311991 (perishable prepared food manufacturing), demonstrating expertise in managing diverse operational support functions essential to detention facility sustainability and regulatory compliance.