David J. Berger

David J. Berger serves as a Contracting Officer at the U.S. Coast Guard’s Research and Development Center (70Z032), where he leads the acquisition of mission-critical technologies to advance maritime domain awareness, search and rescue capabilities, and operational resilience. He manages a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning sensing systems, autonomous platforms, and communications infrastructure, ensuring alignment with the Coast Guard’s strategic priorities in navigation safety and environmental response. His procurement activities are centered on rapid innovation cycles, requiring agile contracting methods and close collaboration with engineering and operational stakeholders to translate technical requirements into enforceable solicitation terms. Berger cultivates partnerships with a broad spectrum of vendors, including defense contractors specializing in radar and sonar systems, manufacturers of industrial mobility platforms, and firms providing mission support services. While no single contractor dominates his portfolio, he consistently engages with firms possessing expertise in RF communications, sensor integration, and unmanned systems. His approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, technical evaluation panels, and post-award oversight to ensure delivered solutions meet rigorous Coast Guard operational standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Berger structures approximately 42.9% of his acquisitions as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, reflecting a deliberate commitment to expanding vendor diversity. He prioritizes opportunities for small businesses with proven technical capabilities in communications, industrial machinery, and systems integration, fostering a competitive ecosystem that supports innovation and resilience in the maritime technology supply chain. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334220 (wireless communications equipment), 334511 (navigation and detection systems), and 333924 (industrial mobility machinery), reflecting the Center’s emphasis on next-generation sensing, autonomous vessel systems, and ruggedized field equipment. He also procures administrative services under NAICS 561110 to sustain R&D operations. Berger’s expertise spans the full acquisition lifecycle, from market research and requirement validation to contract award and performance management, with a consistent focus on mission-critical technological advancement.