Michelle D. James

Michelle D. James serves as a Contract Specialist within Mschq Norfolk, under the Department of the Navy, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical procurements to sustain the operational readiness of U.S. Navy surface and auxiliary vessels. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for deep-sea freight transportation services, ship repair support, and specialized marine equipment, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and alignment with naval logistics priorities. Her work directly enables the continuous deployment of fleet assets by securing reliable, high-integrity maritime logistics solutions across global operational theaters. James maintains longstanding relationships with key industry partners including ExxonMobil Marine Limited, Vigor Marine LLC, Booz Allen Hamilton Inc., and Ontic Engineering & Manufacturing, Inc., reflecting a preference for established contractors with proven capabilities in naval support, marine engineering, and defense logistics. Her contracting patterns emphasize performance-based outcomes and technical fidelity, often engaging vendors with specialized expertise in deep-sea transport, vessel maintenance, and mission-critical component manufacturing. These partnerships are characterized by sustained engagement, rigorous oversight, and a focus on mission continuity rather than transactional procurement. Her procurement portfolio is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 94.9% of awards issued under full and open competition, indicating a primary emphasis on capability and readiness over socioeconomic preferences. While small business participation is limited at 5.1%, it remains formally recognized under FAR 19.5 Total Small Business Set-Asides, reflecting a measured but compliant approach to socioeconomic goals without compromising operational urgency. James’s expertise is singularly focused on NAICS 483111 — Deep Sea Freight Transportation — encompassing the procurement of ocean-going cargo vessels, specialized maritime transport services, and related logistics support for naval operations. Her domain knowledge centers on the unique regulatory, technical, and environmental demands of global deep-sea logistics, making her a key steward of the Navy’s maritime supply chain resilience.