Kathy C Carter

Kathy C. Carter serves as a Contract Support Specialist within the U.S. Coast Guard’s SFLC Procurement Branch 1 (70Z080), supporting the acquisition and lifecycle sustainment of naval vessels and maritime systems. In this role, she provides critical end-to-end contract administration for shipbuilding, repair, and maintenance initiatives critical to the Coast Guard’s operational readiness. Her work ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while facilitating timely execution of complex procurement actions involving dry dock overhauls, propulsion system upgrades, and vessel modernization projects. She collaborates closely with technical teams, program managers, and contractors to align contractual deliverables with mission-critical maritime requirements. Carter maintains strong, ongoing relationships with key industrial partners including Fairbanks Morse, LLC, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C., Bay Ship & Yacht Co., Automatic Coating Limited USA, and Technico Corporation. These partnerships reflect a focus on specialized shipyard services, marine coating systems, and engineered marine components essential to cutter sustainment. Her contracting patterns demonstrate consistent engagement with vendors possessing deep expertise in naval architecture, dry dock operations, and corrosion control, fostering long-term collaboration grounded in technical precision and regulatory compliance. A steadfast advocate for small business participation, Carter consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts under FAR 19.5, with 85.7% of her acquisitions structured to maximize opportunities for small businesses. This commitment aligns with the Coast Guard’s broader socioeconomic goals, ensuring diverse vendors—including HUBZone and SDVOSB firms—have equitable access to high-impact maritime contracts. Her procurement approach actively promotes competitive small business involvement while maintaining rigorous performance standards. Her primary technical focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), encompassing vessel construction, structural refurbishment, and marine systems integration. She specializes in procuring services related to dry docking, hull maintenance, propulsion retrofits, and marine crane systems, demonstrating deep familiarity with naval engineering standards and Coast Guard-specific operational requirements.