Joseph B. Tallent

Joe Tallent 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 aerospace, maritime, and technical services critical to modernizing the Coast Guard’s fleet and enhancing maritime domain awareness systems. His portfolio includes contracts for vessel construction, search and detection instrumentation, and specialized support services, ensuring alignment with the agency’s mission to sustain and upgrade coastal and riverine patrol capabilities. Tallent operates within a complex regulatory environment governed by FAR and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement requirements, prioritizing mission-critical outcomes through disciplined contracting practices. Tallent maintains strong, ongoing relationships with core shipbuilding and maritime support 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 medium- to large-tier vendors with proven expertise in naval architecture, vessel modernization, and maritime system integration. His contracting patterns indicate a preference for long-term, performance-based agreements that emphasize reliability, technical compliance, and lifecycle support, often resulting in repeat engagements with these established industry partners. His procurement strategy reflects a balanced approach to socioeconomic goals, with nearly half of all awards structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, and an additional 4.3% designated for 8(a) competed contracts. This demonstrates a deliberate commitment to fostering small business participation in high-value maritime acquisition programs, while maintaining flexibility to use open competitions when necessary to ensure technical adequacy and market competitiveness. Tallent’s primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 561612 (security guards and patrol services) and 334511 (search, detection, navigation, and nautical system manufacturing), reflecting his specialization in security operations and advanced maritime sensing technologies. He also manages contracts in supporting domains such as building equipment installation and facility services, ensuring comprehensive support for Coast Guard infrastructure and operational platforms. His expertise lies at the intersection of maritime engineering, security services, and mission-critical systems procurement.