Debbie K. Velmere

Debbie K. Velmere serves as a Contracting Officer for the Maritime Administration under the U.S. Department of Transportation, where she manages the acquisition of critical shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance services essential to sustaining the National Defense Reserve Fleet. Her role is central to ensuring the operational readiness of aging vessels through strategic contracting that aligns with national security imperatives. She routinely handles complex, performance-based contracts for vessel dry-docking, structural repairs, propulsion system overhauls, and environmental compliance services, often requiring specialized technical oversight and long-term lifecycle management. Velmere maintains consistent working relationships with key industry partners including BAY MARINE BOATWORKS, INC., BAY SHIP & YACHT CO, and REVEL ENVIRONMENTAL MANUFACTURING, INC., firms recognized for their expertise in commercial and defense-grade maritime maintenance. Her procurement approach emphasizes collaborative vendor partnerships grounded in proven technical capability, regulatory compliance, and timely delivery—particularly for mission-critical repairs that require adherence to U.S. Coast Guard and MARAD standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Velmere consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over half of her awards reserved for small businesses. She also engages in 8(a) competed procurements, reflecting a deliberate strategy to foster socioeconomic diversity among maritime contractors while maintaining rigorous performance standards. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a balanced commitment to both competition and capacity-building within the small business community. Her primary technical focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), where she oversees the majority of acquisitions, supplemented by engineering services and hazardous waste collection contracts essential to vessel decommissioning and environmental stewardship. Velmere’s expertise spans naval architecture, marine systems maintenance, and compliance with federal environmental regulations, positioning her as a key steward of the nation’s maritime infrastructure readiness.