James Tepen

James Tepen serves as a key procurement lead within U.S. Coast Guard Base New Orleans (70Z029), responsible for managing facility infrastructure acquisitions critical to operational readiness. His role centers on executing contracts for shore-based infrastructure modernization, including building systems, utilities, and physical asset sustainment. He handles a diverse portfolio of construction, maintenance, and industrial support acquisitions aligned with the Coast Guard’s mission to enhance coastal resilience and ensure compliance with federal building standards. Tepen’s work directly supports the agency’s strategic priorities by securing mission-critical services that maintain the integrity of maritime operations infrastructure. Tepen’s contracting approach emphasizes collaboration with specialized small businesses and niche industrial vendors, particularly those with expertise in marine facility maintenance and precision manufacturing. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, his procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with firms capable of delivering high-integrity, code-compliant solutions for coastal environments. He fosters long-term vendor partnerships rooted in technical proficiency, quality assurance, and adaptability to the unique demands of federal maritime infrastructure projects. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Tepen consistently prioritizes socioeconomic set-asides, with 91.7% of his acquisitions designated for Total Small Business under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to empower small, locally-based firms with the technical capacity to support Coast Guard facility sustainment. His contracting patterns demonstrate a strong preference for small business participation across multiple socioeconomic categories, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to equitable access and community-based economic development. Tepen’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing) and 332813 (Electroplating, Plating, Polishing, Anodizing, and Coloring), reflecting deep specialization in marine industrial maintenance and corrosion-resistant component fabrication. He also procures metal window and door systems (332321) and commercial machinery repair services (811310), underscoring his expertise in integrated facility systems. His technical domain spans maritime infrastructure lifecycle management, with an emphasis on durable, saltwater-resistant materials and precision industrial processes essential to Coast Guard facility resilience.