James K. Simms

James K. Simms serves as a Contracting Specialist responsible for managing complex acquisitions in support of national defense and aerospace systems. His role centers on executing full lifecycle procurement actions in compliance with FAR and agency-specific regulations, ensuring timely and compliant delivery of critical aviation and avionics capabilities. He routinely handles competitive sealed bidding, negotiated procurements, and small business set-asides, with a focus on technical requirements for aircraft propulsion systems, flight-critical components, and mission-specific electronic systems. His work directly supports the operational readiness of aerospace platforms through strategic sourcing and risk-mitigated contract administration. Simms cultivates relationships with a diverse base of industrial contractors, primarily tier-one and tier-two suppliers in aerospace manufacturing and specialized systems integration. He engages regularly with firms specializing in aircraft engine components, auxiliary equipment, and advanced avionics, fostering collaborative partnerships that emphasize technical innovation and supply chain resilience. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with mid-sized manufacturers possessing AS9100 certification and relevant ITAR/EAR compliance frameworks, ensuring alignment with national security standards. His contracting approach reflects a strong emphasis on broad-based small business participation, with 84.8% of his awards issued under full and open competition and 11.9% reserved for Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. He actively promotes opportunities for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, which account for 3.4% of his awards, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising mission requirements. His patterns indicate a balanced strategy that prioritizes competition while ensuring equitable access for qualified small businesses. Simms specializes in procurements governed by NAICS codes 336412 and 336413, focusing on aircraft engine manufacturing and auxiliary equipment, alongside 334511 for airborne navigation and guidance systems. He also procures specialized computing services under 541519 and 518210 to support embedded systems and data infrastructure. His technical expertise spans propulsion systems, flight control electronics, and mission-critical software integration, making him a key liaison between engineering requirements and contract execution in the aerospace domain.