James Chestnut

James Chestnut serves as a Contract Specialist within the Preparedness SECTION (PRE20) of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, where he plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions that bolster national resilience and operational readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of contracts supporting administrative management consulting, incident response planning, and technical services essential to emergency preparedness infrastructure. His portfolio centers on professional services that enhance workforce capabilities, streamline incident management frameworks, and strengthen logistical coordination across federal, state, and local emergency response ecosystems. Chestnut ensures compliance with FAR regulations while aligning procurement strategies with DHS and FEMA’s strategic priorities in disaster preparedness and workforce development. While specific contractor names are not publicly disclosed, Chestnut maintains consistent engagement with a diverse pool of vendors specializing in management consulting, testing and evaluation services, and operational support solutions. He fosters collaborative relationships with both large-capacity firms and small business partners, emphasizing performance-based contracting and outcome-driven deliverables. His approach prioritizes transparency, competitive bidding, and long-term vendor accountability to ensure sustainable capacity building across the emergency management sector. Chestnut demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 25% of his acquisitions designated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and 15% awarded through 8(a) competed pathways. His contracting patterns reflect a deliberate effort to expand opportunities for small disadvantaged businesses while maintaining a balanced portfolio that includes 60% open competition. This approach aligns with federal mandates to promote equitable access and enhance innovation through diverse vendor participation. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541611, where he regularly acquires administrative management and general management consulting services to optimize emergency response systems. He also procures testing and laboratory services under NAICS 541380 to validate operational protocols, and occasionally supports hospitality services under NAICS 721110 for training and staging operations. His expertise centers on professional services that directly enhance the agency’s ability to plan, train, and respond to complex disasters.