James E. Duffala

James E. Duffala serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with FAR regulations and advancing the agency’s mission through timely, transparent, and competitive procurement processes. His portfolio primarily encompasses industrial hardware and fluid power components, with a focus on precision-engineered metal products used in critical infrastructure and defense applications. Duffala routinely handles complex solicitations requiring technical evaluation and vendor qualification, ensuring acquisitions align with operational needs and regulatory standards. While specific contractor names are not available, Duffala maintains a broad network of manufacturers and fabricators specializing in industrial valves, fluid power systems, and precision hardware. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established suppliers with demonstrated capability in meeting stringent quality and delivery requirements. He engages with both large-tier manufacturers and small business subcontractors, fostering a competitive marketplace that emphasizes technical reliability and supply chain resilience. Duffala’s procurement strategy prioritizes open competition, with 88.1% of his awards issued under full and open competition without set-asides. However, he consistently supports small business participation, allocating 11.9% of his acquisitions to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a measured commitment to socioeconomic goals, ensuring qualified small manufacturers have equitable access to federal contracting opportunities without compromising mission-critical performance standards. His primary technical focus lies in NAICS 332912 (Fluid Power Valve and Hose Fitting Manufacturing), where he procures hydraulic and pneumatic components essential to industrial and aerospace systems. Secondary areas include hardware manufacturing (332510) and industrial valve production (332911), demonstrating expertise in metal fabrication, pressure-rated components, and mechanical systems. Duffala’s domain knowledge enables him to evaluate technical specifications, assess manufacturing capabilities, and ensure compliance with industry standards such as ASME and SAE.