James M. Jackson

James M. Jackson serves as a Contracting Officer for the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Rocket Propulsion Division (FA9453), where he leads the acquisition of advanced space and aerospace technologies critical to U.S. dominance in space domain awareness and autonomous operations. Responsible for managing full lifecycle procurements under FAR and DFARS, he specializes in rapid prototyping contracts and foundational R&D initiatives that support next-generation propulsion systems, resilient computing architectures, and high-performance space instrumentation. His portfolio encompasses complex, technically demanding acquisitions requiring close collaboration with engineering teams to align contract terms with mission-critical performance requirements. Jackson maintains strategic relationships with a diverse pool of defense contractors and research institutions, primarily engaging firms with proven expertise in aerospace systems development, radiation-hardened electronics, and high-energy propulsion testing. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his contracting patterns reflect a preference for partners capable of delivering innovative solutions under tight timelines, often through cost-reimbursement or time-and-materials mechanisms. He fosters collaborative procurement environments that encourage technical agility and iterative development, aligning with AFRL’s mission of accelerating innovation. His contracting approach reflects a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with approximately one-third of his awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating consistent support for small businesses with relevant technical capabilities. He does not rely heavily on other set-aside categories, indicating a focus on capability over socioeconomic designation, while still ensuring meaningful small business participation in high-impact R&D efforts. Jackson’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712, reflecting his leadership in funding research and development across physical and engineering sciences, particularly in propulsion, space-based sensing, and radiation-tolerant systems. He also frequently procures specialized irradiation apparatus under NAICS 334517, underscoring his technical expertise in high-energy testing environments essential for validating space hardware resilience. His work directly enables the development of next-generation space systems for the Department of Defense.