Jim Platner

Jim Platner serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where he oversees strategic acquisitions critical to national maritime security and operational readiness. He specializes in managing contracts for aerospace, maritime, and technical services that support vessel modernization, coastal patrol capabilities, and maritime domain awareness systems. His portfolio focuses on complex, mission-critical procurements requiring deep technical oversight, including new construction, retrofitting, and sustainment of specialized vessels and surveillance systems. Platner plays a central role in aligning acquisition strategy with the Coast Guard’s force modernization priorities, ensuring timely delivery of capabilities that enhance maritime safety and defense. Platner maintains enduring relationships with a select group of prime contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc.—all recognized for their expertise in naval architecture, shipbuilding, and maritime system integration. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term partnerships with vendors possessing proven track records in constructing and maintaining Coast Guard-specific platforms, often involving customized engineering solutions and compliance with stringent federal maritime standards. He favors contractors with established capabilities in vessel modernization and systems integration, fostering collaborative, performance-based contract management. Platner’s procurement strategy is fully aligned with the U.S. Coast Guard’s commitment to small business participation, with 100% of his awarded contracts structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate and consistent focus on enabling small businesses to compete for high-impact maritime contracts, ensuring broad economic opportunity while maintaining mission-critical quality. His pattern of set-asides supports the growth of niche vendors with specialized shipbuilding, maintenance, and technical support capabilities, reinforcing the Coast Guard’s socioeconomic contracting goals. His primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 541611, Administrative Management and General Management Consulting Services, indicating a strong emphasis on program management, acquisition planning, and systems integration support for complex maritime projects. Rather than procuring physical goods directly, he secures high-level advisory and oversight services that enable effective execution of shipbuilding and technology modernization programs, demonstrating expertise in managing the administrative and operational frameworks behind large-scale maritime acquisitions.