Drena S. Vining

Drena S. Vining serves as a Contract Specialist within the SFLC Procurement Branch 3 (00040) of the U.S. Coast Guard, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisition strategies to sustain and modernize the Coast Guard’s maritime fleet. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of procurement activities—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—for critical ship repair, vessel maintenance, and specialized marine equipment. Vining’s work directly supports the Coast Guard’s operational readiness by ensuring timely delivery of mission-critical systems and services that uphold safety, endurance, and compliance with federal maritime standards. She maintains established working relationships with key contractors including Philadelphia Electrical Equipment Co., JDCI Enterprises, Inc., ALS Services USA, Corp., Cabras Marine Corporation, and Bay Marine Boatworks, Inc.—organizations recognized for their technical expertise in marine systems, electrical integration, and vessel overhaul. These partnerships reflect a preference for proven vendors with deep domain knowledge in naval architecture and marine engineering, often engaging in long-term, performance-based contracting arrangements that emphasize quality assurance and lifecycle support. Vining’s contracting patterns show a strong emphasis on open competition, with 86.9% of awards issued without set-asides, reflecting the technical complexity and limited vendor base in specialized maritime domains. However, she consistently facilitates small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (13.1%), aligning with FAR 19.5 requirements while maintaining mission-critical performance standards. Her procurement focus centers on NAICS codes 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing), 336999 (Other Transportation Equipment Manufacturing), and 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair), underscoring her expertise in procuring propulsion systems, marine electrical components, and heavy-duty maintenance services for cutters and auxiliary vessels. She specializes in technical acquisitions requiring rigorous compliance with Coast Guard engineering specifications and naval standards.