Claire A LT Gilliland

Claire A. LT Gilliland serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Coast Guard’s SFLC Procurement Branch 1 (70Z080), where she supports the acquisition and sustainment of critical maritime assets, including cutters, vessel repair systems, and specialized marine equipment. Her role centers on managing complex shipbuilding, maintenance, and modernization contracts essential to maintaining operational readiness across coastal and open-ocean missions. She routinely handles full lifecycle acquisitions—from initial requirements definition through contract award and performance oversight—ensuring compliance with naval engineering standards and Department of Homeland Security procurement policies. Gilliland maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of specialized maritime contractors, including Fairbanks Morse, LLC for propulsion systems, Bay Ship & Yacht Co for dry dock and vessel refit services, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. for structural upgrades, Automatic Coating Limited USA for corrosion protection, and Technico Corporation for technical support and system integration. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, and Coast Guard-specific compliance requirements, fostering long-term collaboration grounded in technical reliability and mission alignment. Her procurement strategy is distinguished by a 100% commitment to small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate and sustained emphasis on socioeconomic contracting. All awarded contracts are structured to maximize participation from small businesses, ensuring equitable access to high-value maritime acquisition opportunities without reliance on other set-aside categories like 8(a) or HUBZone, underscoring a broad-based dedication to small business growth within the marine industrial base. While specific NAICS codes are not available, her portfolio is heavily concentrated in naval vessel construction, repair, and maintenance, encompassing services related to hull integrity, propulsion overhaul, marine coating systems, and integrated vessel modernization. Her technical expertise lies in the intersection of maritime engineering and federal acquisition, ensuring that all procurements meet stringent Coast Guard operational and safety standards.