Nikkole A. Stites

Nikkole Stites serves as a key procurement specialist at the NASA Shared Services Center, supporting the agency’s mission to sustain advanced scientific operations through strategic acquisitions of mission-enabling technologies. While holding a secondary role, Stites plays a critical part in executing contract actions for high-precision instrumentation, specialized software systems, and custom engineering services that underpin NASA’s computational and analytical infrastructure. Their work ensures timely procurement of complex, mission-critical solutions aligned with NASA’s technical standards and compliance requirements, often coordinating with technical stakeholders to define performance-based requirements and evaluate vendor proposals under FAR Part 15 procedures. Stites maintains consistent working relationships with NEXTROW INC and PENN OAK SERVICES LLC, both of which provide specialized IT services and technical support tailored to NASA’s unique operational environments. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in mission-critical software integration, system maintenance, and custom programming services. The working relationship pattern is characterized by repeat engagements, indicating trust in vendor performance, responsiveness to evolving technical needs, and adherence to federal acquisition regulations. Stites’ procurement portfolio reflects a strong emphasis on open competition, with 83.3% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside restrictions, while 16.7% are structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This balance demonstrates a deliberate approach to leveraging small business innovation while maintaining flexibility to meet complex technical demands. Though no specific socioeconomic categories are prioritized, the consistent use of small business set-asides signals an active commitment to broadening vendor participation within the federal space sector. The primary NAICS focus areas include 541519 (Other Computer Related Services) and 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), underscoring expertise in procuring tailored software solutions, data analytics platforms, and integrated systems for scientific instrumentation. Additional focus on 513210 (Software Publishers) and 334519 (Other Measuring and Controlling Device Manufacturing) highlights technical proficiency in acquiring proprietary software, embedded systems, and precision control devices essential to NASA’s research and exploration missions.