Debra W. Smith

Debra W. Smith serves as a Contract Specialist within the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth of the U.S. Coast Guard, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to modernize command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) systems. Her responsibilities include planning, soliciting, evaluating, and awarding contracts that support maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, and national security operations. She specializes in procuring advanced communication infrastructure, cybersecurity solutions, and engineering services critical to sustaining operational resilience across maritime domains. Smith ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning procurements with the Coast Guard’s strategic modernization goals. Smith maintains consistent working relationships with key industry partners, most notably TRIMBLE INC, which provides precision positioning and geospatial technologies integral to navigation and surveillance systems. Her procurement patterns reflect collaboration with a mix of large prime contractors and specialized small businesses, fostering innovation through competitive bidding and performance-based contract structures. She prioritizes technical capability and mission alignment, often engaging vendors with proven expertise in secure communications and integrated C5I architectures. Her contracting approach demonstrates a balanced commitment to socioeconomic goals, with nearly one-third of awards designated for total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5 and a notable portion allocated to 8(a) competed contracts. While the majority of acquisitions remain open to all competitors, Smith actively promotes small business participation, ensuring diverse vendors have equitable access to opportunities supporting Coast Guard missions. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 334220 for wireless communications equipment, 541512 and 541519 for computer systems and related services, and 541330 for engineering services. She routinely acquires secure radio systems, network infrastructure, software-defined radio platforms, and mission-critical IT support services, demonstrating deep technical familiarity with the evolving C5I ecosystem essential to maritime operations.