Clenton A. Shanks

Clenton Shanks serves as a Contracting Officer within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that support national maritime security and operational readiness. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts for aerospace, maritime, and technical services, with a focus on new vessel construction, fleet modernization, and advanced maritime domain awareness systems. His work directly enables the Coast Guard’s mission to enhance coastal patrol capabilities and sustain specialized vessel fleets through complex, mission-critical procurement actions grounded in FAR compliance and risk-managed acquisition strategies. Shanks maintains enduring relationships with key shipbuilding and defense contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for established maritime industrial base vendors with proven expertise in naval architecture, vessel fabrication, and systems integration. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based contracting, and rigorous oversight to ensure technical compliance and delivery of high-integrity maritime platforms. His procurement patterns demonstrate a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with over 60% of awards issued under no set-aside, while actively supporting small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (20.6%), 8(a) competed awards (11.8%), and targeted opportunities for Women-Owned and HUBZone small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to leverage both large industrial capacity and small business innovation within the maritime defense sector. Shanks’ primary NAICS focus areas include 334511 for search, detection, and nautical system manufacturing; 332313 for plate work fabrication; and 611512 for flight training services. His expertise lies in procuring advanced maritime sensors, specialized vessel components, and integrated training systems that enhance Coast Guard operational effectiveness across coastal, riverine, and open-ocean environments.