Joshua Taggart

Joshua Taggart supports procurement operations at NASA Ames Research Center, facilitating acquisitions critical to advancing aerospace innovation and scientific discovery. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts aligned with the Center’s mission in aeronautics, space exploration, and advanced computing, with a focus on research and development in physical and engineering sciences. His work spans complex technical domains including autonomous navigation systems, high-speed flight technologies, and advanced thermal protection systems, ensuring that NASA’s R&D objectives are met through timely, compliant, and mission-critical contracting actions. Taggart typically handles performance-based, cost-reimbursement, and time-and-materials contracts for high-technology services and specialized hardware development. His primary contractor relationship is with Aerospace & Commercial Technologies, LLC, a key partner in delivering advanced aerospace solutions and engineering support services. Taggart’s contracting patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven technical capabilities in aerospace systems, though he maintains a balanced approach that accommodates niche vendors capable of addressing highly specialized requirements. His working relationships are characterized by collaborative engagement, technical due diligence, and a focus on mission-critical delivery timelines. Taggart’s procurement activity shows a strong orientation toward open competition, with 94.4% of awards issued without set-aside designations. Only 5.6% are allocated as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, indicating a preference for technical capability over socioeconomic categorization. While small business participation is not a primary driver, he remains compliant with all federal small business policies and occasionally leverages them when vendor expertise aligns with niche technical needs. His primary NAICS focus is 541715 for research and development in physical and engineering sciences, followed by air transportation services under 481219 and 481212, reflecting the Center’s need for specialized flight test support and logistics. He also procures fabricated metal products under 332999 and professional technical services under 541990, demonstrating broad expertise in supporting multidisciplinary aerospace R&D environments.