James Howell

James Howell serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where he manages strategic acquisitions critical to national maritime security and operational readiness. His responsibilities center on engineering services that support the modernization of coastal patrol vessels, maritime domain awareness systems, and specialized fleet sustainment programs. He plays a pivotal role in translating operational requirements into technically sound contract vehicles, ensuring alignment with Coast Guard mission priorities in search and detection, vessel modernization, and advanced maritime technology integration. His acquisitions consistently focus on high-complexity engineering solutions requiring rigorous compliance with federal acquisition regulations and defense-specific technical standards. Howell maintains long-standing relationships with a select group of specialized shipbuilders and maritime engineering firms, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in naval architecture, vessel construction, and systems integration for Coast Guard-specific platforms. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, lifecycle support, and technical innovation, fostering collaborative relationships with contractors capable of delivering custom maritime solutions under tight operational timelines. Howell’s procurement portfolio exhibits a 100% preference for full and open competition, with no set-asides designated for 8(a), HUBZone, SDVOSB, or other socioeconomic programs. This reflects a mission-driven focus on technical capability and operational readiness over socioeconomic targeting, prioritizing vendor qualifications and past performance in complex maritime engineering environments. His primary procurement activity falls under NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), with deep specialization in naval engineering, systems integration, and maritime platform modernization. He consistently procures services related to vessel design, structural upgrades, sensor integration, and command-and-control system enhancements, demonstrating advanced technical expertise in Coast Guard-specific maritime infrastructure requirements.