Joel Blimline

Joel W. Blimline serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), responsible for managing strategic acquisitions that support national maritime security and operational readiness. He oversees the acquisition of specialized maritime vessels, aerospace systems, and technical services critical to enhancing coastal patrol capabilities and maritime domain awareness. His portfolio includes new construction, modernization programs, and sustainment contracts for specialized fleets, ensuring alignment with Coast Guard mission priorities in search and detection, surveillance, and force modernization. Blimline maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of shipyards and maritime defense contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards Lockport, L.L.C., Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships reflect a focus on vessel design, fabrication, and lifecycle support for patrol boats and auxiliary craft. His contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical compliance, and performance-based acquisition strategies to meet stringent Coast Guard operational requirements. His procurement pattern shows a strong preference for open competition, with 73.3% of awards issued without set-asides, while maintaining a significant commitment to small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides (26.7%). Although not heavily reliant on 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB programs, he consistently facilitates opportunities for qualified small businesses in technical and manufacturing sectors aligned with maritime operations. Blimline’s primary acquisition focus centers on NAICS codes 721110 (hotels and motels), 611519 (technical and trade schools), and 334419 (electronic component manufacturing), indicating a broad support function that includes training infrastructure, logistics facilities, and electronic systems integration. His expertise spans procurement for both operational platforms and enabling infrastructure, demonstrating a nuanced understanding of the Coast Guard’s multi-domain acquisition needs.