Jennifer M. Hershberger

Jennifer M. Hershberger serves as a Contract Specialist within the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth of the U.S. Coast Guard, where she manages the acquisition of critical command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) systems that enhance maritime domain awareness and operational resilience. Her role encompasses the full lifecycle of procurement—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR and DHS acquisition policies. She specializes in complex technical acquisitions supporting maritime surveillance, navigation, and secure communications infrastructure, aligning procurement strategy with the Coast Guard’s mission to modernize national security capabilities across all domains. Hershberger maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors such as Trimble Inc., leveraging their expertise in precision positioning, navigation, and timing technologies essential to Coast Guard operations. Her procurement patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven capabilities in advanced electronics, cybersecurity, and mission-critical system integration. While she collaborates with large prime contractors, her approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and rigorous technical evaluation to ensure system interoperability and long-term sustainment. Her contracting portfolio demonstrates a strong orientation toward open competition, with 85.7% of acquisitions conducted without set-asides, reflecting the technical complexity and specialized nature of the requirements. However, she actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a balanced commitment to both mission readiness and socioeconomic objectives. Hershberger’s primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), 335311 (Power, Distribution, and Specialty Transformer Manufacturing), and 811310 (Commercial and Industrial Machinery Repair and Maintenance), underscoring her expertise in procuring embedded systems, power conditioning equipment, and maintenance services for hardened maritime platforms. She regularly acquires specialized components for aircraft and vessel-based C5I systems, requiring deep technical understanding of electromagnetic compatibility, ruggedized electronics, and mission-critical infrastructure support.