LTJG Cory Vandivier, USN

LTJG Cory Vandivier, USN, serves as a Contracting Specialist at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM), where he plays a pivotal role in securing mission-critical technologies that enhance the tactical superiority of special operations forces. He manages the full lifecycle of acquisitions for advanced research and development contracts, with a focus on rapid prototyping and field-deployable systems. His portfolio centers on enabling next-generation capabilities in tactical communications, electro-optical and night vision systems, sensor fusion, and directed energy technologies, aligning directly with USSOCOM’s mandate to accelerate innovation for high-priority, time-sensitive operational needs. Vandivier collaborates with a diverse ecosystem of defense contractors, including prime systems integrators, specialized R&D firms, and emerging technology startups with expertise in defense-grade hardware and software development. He fosters agile contracting relationships characterized by flexible solicitation methods, including Other Transaction Authorities (OTAs) and Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), to expedite the transition from prototype to operational capability. His approach emphasizes technical merit, rapid iteration, and mission alignment over traditional cost-based evaluations, ensuring that vendors can respond swiftly to evolving battlefield requirements. Vandivier’s contracting activity shows no preference for socioeconomic set-asides, with 100% of his acquisitions awarded under full and open competition. This reflects USSOCOM’s operational imperative to access the broadest possible pool of technical expertise without restriction, prioritizing capability speed and performance over socioeconomic criteria in time-sensitive acquisitions. His primary focus lies in NAICS 541712—Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences—where he procures advanced electro-optical systems, secure comms architectures, AI-enabled sensor platforms, and ruggedized computing hardware. He possesses deep technical fluency in defense R&D domains, ensuring contracts are structured to support innovation while maintaining strict compliance with DoD acquisition regulations and security protocols.