SK2 James Hunter

James E. Hunter serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), overseeing strategic acquisitions critical to national maritime security and operational readiness. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts supporting the modernization of specialized vessel fleets, enhancement of maritime domain awareness systems, and procurement of aerospace and technical services essential for coastal and riverine patrol missions. His work directly enables the Coast Guard’s mission to sustain and advance its fleet capabilities through timely, compliant, and mission-aligned contracting actions. Hunter maintains consistent partnerships with a core group of shipbuilding and maritime defense contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These relationships reflect a focus on vessel construction, repair, and system integration for high-performance maritime platforms. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical alignment with Coast Guard specifications, and performance-based contract structures that ensure operational reliability and lifecycle support. A strong advocate for small business participation, Hunter consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over 76% of his awards designated for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate and sustained commitment to socioeconomic contracting goals, fostering opportunities for small, disadvantaged, and veteran-owned firms in the maritime and technical services sectors. His contracting patterns demonstrate a clear alignment with federal small business mandates and a preference for competitive set-asides over open competitions. His primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 721110, indicating significant activity in lodging and facility support services for Coast Guard personnel and operational sites, alongside niche acquisitions in professional training, data infrastructure, and transit services. While seemingly diverse, these categories support the broader logistical and administrative ecosystem required to sustain maritime operations, revealing a nuanced understanding of the interdependent services that enable mission success.