Lana Denning

Lana Denning serves as a Contract Specialist within the SFLC Procurement Branch 1 (70Z080) of the U.S. Coast Guard, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to sustain and modernize the nation’s maritime fleet. Her responsibilities include managing the full lifecycle of contracts for shipbuilding, vessel repair, dry dock overhauls, and propulsion system upgrades, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations and operational readiness requirements. She works closely with technical stakeholders to define requirements, structure solicitations, and negotiate terms that align with the Coast Guard’s long-term asset modernization strategy, primarily supporting cutter maintenance and lifecycle extension programs. Denning maintains enduring relationships with a core group of specialized marine contractors, including Fairbanks Morse, LLC, Bay Ship & Yacht Co, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C., Automatic Coating Limited USA, and Technico Corporation. These partnerships reflect a focus on shipyard capabilities, marine engineering, and corrosion protection services critical to naval vessel sustainment. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, performance-based outcomes, and technical alignment with Coast Guard engineering standards, fostering reliability and continuity across multi-year maintenance cycles. A strong advocate for small business participation, Denning consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Aside contracts under FAR 19.5, with over 61% of her awards designated for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to cultivate a resilient industrial base of qualified marine support vendors, ensuring broad access to opportunities while maintaining mission-critical expertise. Her contracting patterns demonstrate a robust commitment to socioeconomic goals without compromising technical rigor or operational needs. Her procurement focus is overwhelmingly centered on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), reflecting deep expertise in naval architecture, marine fabrication, and dry dock operations. She routinely procures services related to hull restoration, propulsion system overhauls, and marine coating systems, requiring specialized knowledge of naval standards and maritime environmental compliance. Her domain expertise ensures acquisitions are technically sound, mission-driven, and aligned with the Coast Guard’s strategic maritime sustainment objectives.