James M. Rhodes

James M. Rhodes serves as a key procurement lead for the Commanding Officer (N63394) under the Department of the Navy, responsible for managing acquisitions that sustain and modernize naval aviation and electronic warfare systems. He oversees the procurement of mission-critical aerospace components, advanced electronic assemblies, sensor systems, and cybersecurity-enabled communications infrastructure to ensure operational readiness across naval aviation platforms. His portfolio centers on engineering services and specialized manufacturing contracts that support the lifecycle maintenance and technological advancement of aircraft and electronic systems critical to naval air operations. Rhodes maintains strategic relationships with prime contractors including AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC and LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION, leveraging their expertise in high-reliability avionics, radar systems, and integrated electronic warfare solutions. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships with firms capable of delivering complex, defense-grade components under stringent military specifications. He routinely engages with industry leaders possessing AS9100 and ITAR compliance credentials to ensure technical fidelity and supply chain security across sensitive programs. His procurement strategy reflects a strong commitment to small business participation, with nearly half of all awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This pattern underscores a deliberate effort to cultivate innovation from small, agile vendors while maintaining compliance with socioeconomic contracting mandates. Though no specific set-aside categories dominate, the consistent use of small business set-asides indicates active engagement with diverse small manufacturers and service providers capable of supporting niche technical requirements. Rhodes specializes in acquisitions governed by NAICS codes 336413 (other aircraft parts and auxiliary equipment), 334519 (measuring and controlling device manufacturing), and 541380 (testing laboratories and services). His focus areas include the procurement of precision electronic components, flight-critical sensor systems, and independent validation and verification services for avionics integration. His technical domain expertise spans aerospace electronics, embedded systems testing, and secure communications hardware, ensuring acquisitions align with Navy aviation modernization priorities.