Cornelius Claiborne

Cornelius Claiborne serves as the primary contracting lead for the U.S. Coast Guard’s SFLC Procurement Branch 1 (70Z080), where he manages the acquisition of critical maritime assets to sustain and modernize the Coast Guard’s cutter fleet. His responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle procurement of shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance contracts, ensuring operational readiness for coastal, offshore, and open-ocean missions. Claiborne specializes in complex naval procurement under FAR Part 13 and Part 15, overseeing competitive bidding, technical evaluations, and contract administration for vessel overhauls, propulsion system upgrades, and dry dock modernization projects. He plays a pivotal role in aligning acquisition strategy with the Coast Guard’s long-term fleet sustainment goals. Claiborne maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of specialized maritime contractors, including Fairbanks Morse, LLC for marine propulsion systems, Bay Ship & Yacht Co for vessel repair, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C. for shipbuilding, Automatic Coating Limited USA for corrosion protection, and Technico Corporation for technical services. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in naval architecture, marine engineering, and Coast Guard-specific compliance standards. His procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based contracting, and rigorous quality assurance protocols. Claiborne demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 85% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. His portfolio consistently prioritizes small disadvantaged businesses, HUBZone firms, and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses, aligning with federal socioeconomic objectives. He actively fosters small business capacity-building through pre-solicitation outreach, mentorship programs, and clear technical requirements tailored to smaller contractors’ capabilities. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), accounting for nearly 90% of his activity, with additional emphasis on 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing) for propulsion and auxiliary systems. Claiborne’s technical expertise spans naval vessel life-extension programs, marine coating systems, and integrated maintenance logistics, making him a key figure in sustaining the Coast Guard’s aging fleet through targeted, mission-driven acquisitions.