Derek J. Sopp

Derek J. Sopp serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions within the maritime defense and commercial vessel sectors. He oversees the full lifecycle of contract actions—from market research and solicitation development to award and administration—ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and mission-critical delivery timelines. His portfolio centers on procuring specialized marine systems, including vessel construction, repair, and associated naval support services, aligning with national maritime readiness objectives. Sopp’s expertise lies in navigating technical specifications for shipbuilding and boat manufacturing, ensuring acquisitions meet rigorous performance, safety, and regulatory standards. While specific contractor names are not publicly identifiable in current data, Sopp maintains consistent engagement with a network of qualified industrial vendors specializing in marine fabrication, propulsion systems, and naval architecture. His procurement approach emphasizes competitive bidding under full and open competition, fostering a transparent and accountable acquisition environment. He collaborates closely with technical evaluators and program managers to ensure vendor capabilities align with operational requirements, promoting accountability and performance-based outcomes. Sopp’s contracting patterns reflect a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his awards issued without set-aside designations. This indicates a strategic focus on maximizing competition among qualified industry participants rather than reserving contracts for socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB firms. While small business participation is not formally prioritized in his portfolio, his processes remain compliant with all applicable socioeconomic statutes and encourage voluntary small business subcontracting where technically feasible. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336612 (Boat Building) and 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), reflecting deep expertise in the design, construction, and maintenance of commercial and government-supported vessels. He regularly manages contracts for fiberglass and steel-hulled craft, marine propulsion systems, and integrated navigation equipment, demonstrating specialized knowledge in maritime engineering standards and naval compliance frameworks.