Ian Dempster

Ian M. Dempster serves as a Purchasing Agent for the U.S. Coast Guard Base Los Angeles/Long Beach (70Z037), where he plays a critical role in supporting maritime homeland security operations through strategic procurement of mission-critical infrastructure and equipment. His responsibilities encompass managing the acquisition lifecycle for shipyard maintenance, facility modernization, and security systems integration, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and operational readiness standards. Dempster’s portfolio is heavily weighted toward maritime and industrial procurement, aligning directly with the base’s mandate to sustain vessel reliability, secure facilities, and resilient utility systems across Southern California. While specific contractor relationships are not currently available, Dempster routinely engages with vendors specializing in shipbuilding, commercial refrigeration, and facility maintenance services. His procurement approach emphasizes technical precision and supply chain reliability, working closely with manufacturers and wholesalers capable of delivering high-integrity components for Coast Guard vessels and infrastructure. Vendor partnerships are typically formed through competitive solicitation processes, with a preference for suppliers demonstrating proven experience in defense and maritime environments. Dempster’s contracting patterns reflect a strong orientation toward open competition, with 90.9% of acquisitions conducted without set-aside restrictions. However, he consistently allocates 9.1% of opportunities to Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured commitment to small business participation without compromising mission-critical requirements. His approach balances socioeconomic goals with operational necessity, ensuring small businesses are considered where technical capability and delivery timelines permit. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which accounts for over 70% of his activity, followed by specialized acquisitions in commercial refrigeration (333415) and refrigeration equipment wholesale (423740). He also manages limited facility support contracts under 721110 for on-base lodging. Dempster’s expertise centers on complex industrial procurement requiring adherence to military specifications, environmental compliance, and long-term maintenance compatibility—making him a key enabler of Coast Guard operational resilience.