James Batten

James Batten serves as a primary procurement lead at the Federal Communications Commission, overseeing the acquisition of critical communications technologies and technical services that support the agency’s mission to modernize national infrastructure and ensure equitable access to broadband and wireless services. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on compliance, testing, and network modernization, frequently handling complex procurements for instrumentation, broadcasting equipment, and data infrastructure. His work directly enables FCC enforcement of technical standards and supports the deployment of secure, resilient communications systems across federal and private sector networks. Batten maintains collaborative relationships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including manufacturers of test and measurement equipment, IT service providers, and systems integrators specializing in RF and signal analysis. While no single contractor dominates his award portfolio, he consistently engages firms with proven expertise in electromagnetic compatibility testing, spectrum monitoring, and network security compliance. His contracting approach emphasizes technical rigor, vendor accountability, and adherence to FCC-specific regulatory frameworks. His procurement patterns reflect a strong preference for open competition, with 95.8% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides, indicating a focus on technical capability over socioeconomic categorization. Nevertheless, he supports small business participation through targeted Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, ensuring competitive opportunities for firms with specialized capabilities in communications hardware and software services. Batten’s primary NAICS focus areas include Instrument Manufacturing for Measuring and Testing Electricity and Electrical Signals (334515), Radio and Television Broadcasting Equipment Manufacturing (334220), and Computing Infrastructure Providers (518210). He routinely procures spectrum analyzers, signal generators, broadband deployment tools, and cloud-based data processing platforms, demonstrating deep technical expertise in telecommunications instrumentation, wireless infrastructure, and real-time network analytics. His work ensures the FCC maintains technical oversight over evolving communications ecosystems.