Lawrence J. Harper

Lawrence J. Harper serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), where he plays a pivotal role in executing strategic acquisitions that advance maritime security and operational readiness. He manages the full lifecycle of complex contracts for aerospace, nautical, and technical systems, with a focus on search and detection technologies, vessel modernization, and maritime domain awareness platforms. His work directly supports the Coast Guard’s mission to sustain and enhance coastal patrol capabilities through timely, compliant, and mission-driven procurement decisions. Harper maintains long-standing relationships with key shipbuilding and 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 preference for specialized maritime fabricators and niche technical vendors capable of delivering high-integrity, mission-critical platforms and systems. His contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, rigorous technical evaluation, and close collaboration with engineering and operational stakeholders to ensure delivered solutions meet stringent Coast Guard standards. His procurement portfolio reflects a strong preference for full and open competition, with 100% of his awards issued under no set-aside classifications. This indicates a focus on technical capability and mission necessity over socioeconomic set-asides, aligning with the agency’s need for specialized, high-performance systems that require proven industry expertise rather than size-based preferences. Harper’s primary procurement focus centers on NAICS 334511 for search, detection, navigation, and nautical system manufacturing, underscoring his deep involvement in advanced sensor, radar, and surveillance technologies. He also oversees acquisitions under NAICS 611699, supporting specialized maritime training and operational instruction programs. His expertise lies at the intersection of defense systems procurement and technical workforce development, ensuring the Coast Guard maintains cutting-edge capabilities and a highly trained operational force.