Jim Clough

Jim Clough serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements definition and solicitation to contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and advancing the agency’s mission through efficient, transparent, and legally sound contracting practices. His portfolio primarily centers on complex procurement actions involving energy infrastructure, specialized freight logistics, and environmental consulting services, with a strong emphasis on technical and operational reliability. Clough’s expertise lies in structuring solicitations that balance regulatory rigor with market responsiveness, particularly in highly regulated industrial sectors. While specific contractor names are not available, Clough maintains consistent working relationships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including large primes and small business subcontractors, particularly those with domain-specific capabilities in petroleum refining operations and logistics support. His procurement approach emphasizes competitive bidding, clear performance metrics, and vendor accountability, fostering a marketplace where technical competence and compliance are prioritized over price alone. Clough demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with nearly 80% of his acquisitions conducted without set-asides. However, he actively supports small business participation, allocating approximately 17% of his portfolio to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, and an additional 3.4% to specialized socioeconomic categories including Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and 8(a) competed contracts. This balanced approach reflects a commitment to both market efficiency and socioeconomic objectives under federal contracting policy. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 324110 (Petroleum Refineries), which accounts for over 84% of his activity, indicating deep expertise in energy infrastructure, refining equipment, and related maintenance services. He also routinely procures specialized local trucking (484220) and environmental and logistics consulting services (541614, 541620), demonstrating a technical understanding of industrial operations, supply chain dynamics, and environmental compliance requirements.