James Mills

James Mills serves as a Contract Specialist within the Office of the Secretary at the Department of Commerce’s SSSPO, where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support data-driven governance and policy analysis. He manages the full lifecycle of professional services contracts, with a focus on market research, public opinion polling, and digital infrastructure modernization initiatives. His work directly enables the agency’s mission to inform national economic strategies through high-quality, evidence-based insights. Mills specializes in complex, requirements-driven procurements under the Federal Acquisition Regulation, ensuring alignment with agency priorities and compliance with federal contracting standards. Mills maintains a consistent working relationship with CACI, INC. - FEDERAL, a primary contractor for analytical and technical services supporting the agency’s policy and operational objectives. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance-based outcomes, with a preference for firms possessing demonstrated expertise in public sector consulting, data analytics, and federal compliance. He actively engages contractors through competitive bidding, task order management, and performance evaluation processes to ensure accountability and mission effectiveness. A strong advocate for small business participation, Mills consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with approximately two-thirds of his awards designated for small businesses. This pattern reflects a deliberate strategy to foster economic inclusion and leverage the agility and innovation of small business vendors across the federal marketplace. His contracting practices align with broader socioeconomic goals, ensuring equitable access to opportunities while maintaining rigorous performance standards. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 561621 (Security Systems Services), 541199 (All Other Legal Services), and 611430 (Professional and Management Development Training). These categories reflect his expertise in securing specialized services related to policy compliance, workforce development, and operational security infrastructure. Mills brings technical acumen to acquisitions involving legal advisory support, leadership training programs, and secure information systems, ensuring that the Office of the Secretary is equipped with the professional capabilities needed to advance its mission.