James Hooper

James Hooper serves as a key procurement professional within the Missile Defense Agency, supporting the development and fielding of integrated ballistic missile defense systems. He manages complex acquisitions spanning research and development, systems integration, and facilities support services critical to maintaining layered defense architectures. His work directly enables MDA’s mission to advance midcourse and terminal-phase interception capabilities through cutting-edge sensor modernization and guided weapon system procurement. Hooper routinely handles high-stakes, technically demanding contracts requiring rigorous testing protocols and cross-domain coordination, ensuring alignment with national security objectives and defense acquisition regulations. Hooper maintains consistent contracting relationships with prime defense contractors including Lockheed Martin Corporation and Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation, partnering with these industry leaders to deliver advanced missile defense technologies. He also collaborates with Jacobs Technology Inc. to secure mission-critical facilities and engineering support services. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established defense industrial base partners with proven capabilities in systems engineering, radar modernization, and hypersonic threat response, while maintaining flexibility to integrate innovative solutions through competitive solicitations. His contracting portfolio reflects an even split between open competitions and 8(a) set-asides, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to small business participation. Hooper actively leverages the 8(a) program to cultivate emerging defense contractors with specialized technical expertise, ensuring diverse vendor participation without compromising mission readiness. This balanced approach supports both national security imperatives and socioeconomic contracting goals, fostering a resilient supplier base capable of scaling with evolving threat landscapes. Hooper’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541715 (R&D in physical and engineering sciences) and 561210 (facilities support services), reflecting his dual emphasis on advanced technical innovation and mission-enabling infrastructure. He procures integrated sensor networks, guidance systems, test range support, and operational maintenance services essential to sustaining missile defense readiness. His domain expertise centers on systems engineering, defense R&D lifecycle management, and secure facility operations supporting classified test and evaluation activities.