James R Loba

James R. Loba serves as a Contract Specialist within the Contracting and Procurement office of the Transportation Security Administration under the Department of Homeland Security. He plays a critical role in executing acquisitions that directly support national transportation security, managing the procurement of specialized equipment and technical services essential to aviation and transit infrastructure. His portfolio includes high-priority contracts for explosive detection systems, cybersecurity services, GPS-enabled rail monitoring technologies, and operational support solutions. Loba ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurement activities with the agency’s strategic mission to enhance security through innovation and reliability. Loba maintains collaborative relationships with a diverse range of vendors, primarily engaging professional services firms specializing in security operations, computer facilities management, and technical consulting. He works closely with contractors providing security guard and patrol services, IT infrastructure support, and scientific consulting to meet evolving operational needs. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and clear statement of work development, fostering transparent and accountable vendor partnerships that prioritize mission readiness and service quality. Loba demonstrates a strong preference for open competition, with approximately 85.7% of his acquisitions conducted without set-asides. However, he consistently supports small business participation, allocating roughly 14.3% of his contract actions to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While no specific socioeconomic categories like 8(a) or HUBZone are dominant in his portfolio, his procurement patterns reflect a deliberate effort to create equitable access for qualified small businesses within the professional services sector. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 561612 (Security Guards and Patrol Services), followed by 541513 (Computer Facilities Management Services) and 541690 (Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services). He regularly acquires services related to physical security staffing, cybersecurity infrastructure support, and technical advisory functions, demonstrating deep expertise in operational and technical domains critical to homeland security missions.