Rita R James

Rita R. James serves as a key procurement professional at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, supporting the development of advanced propulsion systems, space vehicle technologies, and mission-critical science infrastructure. She manages complex acquisitions aligned with the Center’s mandate to enable deep space exploration, including Moon-to-Mars architecture studies and real-time propulsion testing systems. Her portfolio centers on engineering services, scientific research, and technical consulting contracts that underpin the design, analysis, and validation of next-generation rocket engines and flight systems. James plays a critical role in translating technical requirements into compliant, performance-based solicitations that ensure mission readiness and technological innovation. Her primary contractor relationships include BASTION TECHNOLOGIES INC and AEROSPACE & COMMERCIAL TECHNOLOGIES, LLC, both of which provide specialized engineering and technical support for propulsion testing, systems integration, and mission analysis. James consistently engages these vendors for high-precision, mission-critical services requiring rigorous compliance with aerospace standards and federal acquisition regulations. Her working relationships reflect a preference for established contractors with proven expertise in space systems development, emphasizing technical capability, past performance, and systems engineering discipline over broad vendor diversity. James’s contracting activity is entirely non-set-aside, with 100% of awards issued under full and open competition. This reflects a strategic focus on accessing the broadest possible pool of technical expertise required for NASA’s high-stakes, mission-critical programs. While small business participation is not formally prioritized through socioeconomic set-asides, her procurement decisions remain rooted in merit-based evaluation of technical merit, past performance, and mission alignment. Her primary NAICS focus areas include Engineering Services, Environmental Consulting, Scientific and Technical Consulting, and Research and Development in Physical and Engineering Sciences—each reflecting the Center’s need for advanced systems analysis, environmental compliance for launch operations, and computational modeling support. She routinely procures services related to propulsion system diagnostics, flight dynamics simulation, and mission assurance frameworks, demonstrating deep familiarity with aerospace engineering domains and federal R&D procurement protocols.