James R. Kilen

James R. Kilen serves as a Purchasing Agent at Naval Supply Systems Command Fleet Logistics Center Puget Sound, where he plays a critical role in securing mission-critical components for U.S. Navy surface and submarine fleets. Responsible for executing procurement actions under the N00406 contract vehicle, Kilen specializes in acquiring industrial hardware, fluid power systems, and precision-engineered marine components essential to vessel readiness and sustainment. His work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain the structural integrity and mechanical functionality of naval platforms through timely, compliant acquisitions of high-reliability parts and assemblies. Kilen maintains longstanding relationships with key vendors including Timken Gears & Services Inc., Curtiss-Wright Electro-Mechanical Corp, Bellingham Marine Industries, Palfinger Marine USA, and Jered LLC, partnering with firms recognized for their expertise in marine propulsion systems, electro-mechanical controls, and heavy-duty fabrication. These collaborations reflect a preference for suppliers with proven capabilities in naval-grade manufacturing, stringent quality assurance protocols, and experience delivering to military specifications. His procurement approach emphasizes technical alignment, supply chain resilience, and vendor reliability over transactional sourcing. A strong advocate for small business participation, Kilen consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts under FAR 19.5, with approximately 63% of his actions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to foster competition and expand access for small manufacturers capable of meeting Navy technical standards. His contracting patterns demonstrate a sustained commitment to socioeconomic goals, ensuring equitable opportunities for qualified small firms across the defense industrial base. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS categories including 332722 (fasteners and hardware), 332912 (fluid power components), and 335931 (electrical wiring devices), reflecting deep expertise in mechanical subsystems critical to shipboard operations. Kilen specializes in sourcing precision-fabricated, corrosion-resistant, and mission-critical components that must conform to rigorous naval specifications, ensuring operational continuity across the fleet.