Cherish Driver

Cherish D. Driver serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where she plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support national maritime security and operational readiness. She manages the full lifecycle of complex contracts for aerospace, maritime, and technical services, with a focus on modernizing vessel fleets, enhancing maritime domain awareness systems, and procuring advanced detection and communications technologies. Her work directly enables the Coast Guard’s mission to sustain and expand coastal and riverine patrol capabilities through timely, compliant, and mission-driven procurement actions. Driver maintains consistent working relationships with key industrial partners including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc., reflecting a strong emphasis on shipbuilding, maritime systems integration, and specialized vessel maintenance. Her procurement approach fosters long-term vendor collaboration, particularly with firms possessing deep expertise in naval architecture, defense-grade communications, and marine engineering, ensuring alignment with Coast Guard operational requirements and technical standards. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a robust commitment to socioeconomic diversity, with nearly 55% of her awards directed toward small business participation, including 31.8% under Total Small Business Set-Asides and 18.2% through 8(a) competed contracts. While nearly half of her actions are unrestricted, she actively leverages 8(a) and HUBZone authorities to expand opportunities for disadvantaged and geographically targeted firms, reinforcing the agency’s mandate for equitable access and innovation from the small business community. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS categories 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 541330 (Engineering Services), 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), and 334220 (Radio and Television Broadcasting Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting expertise in command and control systems, satellite communications infrastructure, and embedded maritime electronics. She consistently procures mission-critical systems that enhance surveillance, navigation, and interoperability across Coast Guard platforms and operational theaters.