Christopher C. James

Captain Christopher C. James serves as a key procurement leader within the FA8823 Sustainment MCPNT SSC/PKL, a critical unit of the Department of the Air Force responsible for sustaining and modernizing aerospace and space-based defense systems. In his capacity as Captain, he oversees the acquisition of engineering services, navigation and guidance systems, and specialized training solutions essential to maintaining operational readiness of guided missile systems, satellite communications, and global positioning infrastructure. His procurement portfolio centers on mission-critical aerospace sustainment, with a focus on ensuring the reliability and technological advancement of national security platforms through strategic contract execution and lifecycle management. Captain James maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse array of contractors specializing in aerospace engineering, avionics manufacturing, and defense training services. While no single vendor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages with firms possessing deep expertise in search, detection, and aeronautical systems, as well as those capable of delivering integrated command and control solutions. His contracting approach emphasizes technical proficiency, system interoperability, and long-term sustainment capability, fostering partnerships with both established defense primes and niche technology providers capable of supporting rapid modernization cycles. Captain James demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 80% of his acquisitions conducted under full and open competition and 20% reserved for total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. He actively prioritizes small business participation without relying on specialized set-aside programs such as 8(a) or HUBZone, indicating a preference for broad-based small business engagement across technical domains rather than targeted socioeconomic categories. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), 334511 (Aeronautical and Nautical System Manufacturing), 334310 (Audio and Video Equipment Manufacturing), and 611430 (Professional Training). These reflect his domain expertise in systems integration, avionics modernization, and workforce development for complex aerospace platforms, ensuring the Air Force’s space and missile sustainment missions remain technologically resilient and operationally effective.