Carolyn R. Quinn

Carolyn Quinn serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, where she plays a pivotal role in executing procurements that sustain the nation’s strategic maritime infrastructure. She manages the full lifecycle of acquisition programs—ranging from solicitation and evaluation to award and contract administration—focused on vessel maintenance, maritime system modernization, and defense readiness assets. Her work directly supports the agency’s mission to maintain the National Defense Reserve Fleet and ensure the operational readiness of the U.S. Merchant Marine, with a strong emphasis on complex, technical acquisitions involving marine systems and supporting infrastructure. Quinn maintains a consistent working relationship with CONNECTA SATELLITE SOLUTIONS LLC, a key vendor providing specialized maritime communications and satellite-based monitoring systems. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for long-term, performance-based partnerships with vendors capable of delivering integrated technical solutions for vessel operations and fleet support. She engages with a select group of specialized contractors who demonstrate proven expertise in maritime technology and regulatory compliance. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Quinn consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with nearly 85% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. Her contracting approach reflects a deliberate strategy to foster competition and capacity-building among small firms, aligning with federal socioeconomic goals and enhancing the resilience of the maritime supply base. Her primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), indicating deep engagement with vessel maintenance, structural upgrades, and dry-dock services. She also routinely procures electrical and motor systems under NAICS 335312 and 238210, underscoring her technical expertise in marine power systems and onboard infrastructure. Her domain knowledge spans maritime engineering, regulatory compliance, and defense-related logistics, making her a critical steward of the nation’s maritime readiness capabilities.