Chris Harrell

Chris Harrell serves as a Contracting Officer for the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth within the U.S. Coast Guard, responsible for managing the acquisition of critical command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) systems that enhance maritime domain awareness and operational resilience. He oversees the full lifecycle of procurements under FAR and DFARS guidelines, with a focus on modernizing navigation, surveillance, and secure communication infrastructure essential to national security missions. His portfolio centers on specialized fabricated metal components and integrated hardware systems that support Coast Guard platforms and shore-based C5I architectures. Harrell maintains a primary contracting relationship with Trimble Inc., a trusted vendor delivering precision-engineered hardware and embedded systems for maritime C5I applications. His procurement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven technical capabilities in ruggedized electronics and mission-critical fabrication, fostering long-term vendor collaboration grounded in compliance, performance, and innovation. He consistently engages contractors capable of meeting stringent military specifications and cybersecurity requirements. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Harrell applies a 100% total small business set-aside strategy across his acquisitions, ensuring full eligibility under FAR 19.5. His contracting approach prioritizes small businesses with demonstrated expertise in fabricated metal products and defense-grade manufacturing, creating equitable access to federal opportunities while maintaining mission readiness. This consistent socioeconomic focus reinforces the Coast Guard’s commitment to inclusive procurement and workforce development. His primary NAICS classification is 332999, All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing, reflecting his specialization in procuring custom-fabricated metal components for C5I hardware, including enclosures, mounts, shielding assemblies, and structural subsystems. Harrell’s technical expertise lies in procuring precision-engineered, environmentally hardened metal products that integrate with electronic systems, requiring deep understanding of MIL-STD, EMI/RFI compliance, and ruggedization standards for maritime deployment.