Patricia Parker

Patricia Parker supports procurement operations at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, playing a critical role in advancing human spaceflight capabilities through the acquisition of specialized engineering, manufacturing, and technical services. She manages contracts aligned with the Center’s mission to develop life support systems, spacecraft components, and mission-critical infrastructure for crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit. Her acquisitions focus on high-integrity technical domains including radiation biology, microgravity physiology, and spacecraft guidance systems, ensuring that contracted solutions meet the rigorous safety and performance standards required for human space exploration. Parker maintains strategic relationships with key contractors including Sierra Space Corp., Aspera Biomedicines, Inc., and Single Crystal Diamond Inc., reflecting a pattern of engagement with innovators in advanced space systems, biomedical research, and high-performance materials. Her contracting approach favors long-term, mission-critical partnerships with firms capable of delivering specialized, low-volume, high-reliability components and services. Wright & Dalbin Architects Inc. indicates her involvement in facility modernization projects supporting human research and operations infrastructure, underscoring a multidisciplinary procurement portfolio. Her contracting activity shows a strong preference for small business participation, with 37.5% of awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a deliberate commitment to fostering innovation from emerging vendors. While the majority of acquisitions are unrestricted, she consistently prioritizes socioeconomic programs that expand the supplier base for niche space technologies. Parker’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 541330 (Engineering Services), 336419 (Space Vehicle Parts), and 327390 (Concrete Products), reflecting her oversight of both advanced aerospace systems and mission-enabling infrastructure. She regularly procures engineered components for life support, radiation shielding, and spacecraft subsystems, as well as specialized manufacturing services for high-purity materials and structural elements critical to crew safety and mission success.