James D Carder

James L. Carder serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from requirements definition through contract award and administration. He plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) while advancing agency mission objectives through efficient, transparent, and competitive procurement practices. Carder typically handles complex service-based contracts requiring technical expertise, particularly in professional, scientific, and logistics support services. His work supports mission-critical operations by securing high-quality contractor performance while maintaining rigorous oversight and accountability. Carder cultivates partnerships with a diverse range of vendors, including small businesses and specialized professional service providers. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages firms with demonstrated capabilities in research, process consulting, and administrative support services. His contracting approach emphasizes fair competition and vendor reliability, fostering long-term relationships with contractors who deliver consistent performance and regulatory compliance. He prioritizes clear solicitation language and structured evaluation criteria to ensure equitable outcomes and minimize protest risk. Carder demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with 25% of his awards directed toward small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, including 5% allocated to HUBZone-certified firms. His preference for non-set-aside acquisitions (75%) reflects a focus on broad competition, yet he actively promotes small business participation by structuring solicitations to maximize eligibility and accessibility. His pattern of awarding to HUBZone firms indicates targeted support for economically distressed areas, aligning with federal goals for geographic equity in contracting. His procurement focus centers on NAICS 541990 (All Other Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services), with significant activity in research and development (541712), logistics and process consulting (541614), and office administrative services (561110). He also regularly procures general warehousing and storage (493110) to support operational logistics. Carder’s expertise lies in acquiring technical, analytical, and administrative services that enable efficient government operations, requiring a nuanced understanding of both technical deliverables and service-level performance metrics.