Maria (Helen) Chapa-Johnson

Maria E. Chapa-Johnson serves as a Contract Specialist within the U.S. Coast Guard’s SFLC Procurement Branch 1 (70Z080), where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to sustain and modernize the Coast Guard’s fleet of cutters and maritime assets. Her responsibilities encompass the full lifecycle of procurement activities for shipbuilding, vessel repair, propulsion system upgrades, and related naval infrastructure projects. She ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while aligning contract strategies with the Coast Guard’s operational readiness goals, particularly in dry dock overhauls and long-term asset sustainment. Her portfolio primarily includes large-scale, technically demanding contracts requiring specialized maritime engineering expertise. Chapa-Johnson maintains consistent working relationships with key industry partners including Fairbanks Morse, LLC, Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors, L.L.C., Bay Ship & Yacht Co., Automatic Coating Limited USA, and Technico Corporation. These contractors are recognized for their specialized capabilities in naval architecture, hull fabrication, corrosion protection, and marine propulsion systems. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical proficiency, performance history, and adherence to military specifications, fostering reliable delivery of mission-critical maritime assets. Her contracting patterns reflect a balanced commitment to small business participation, with nearly 40% of awards structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, and additional allocations to Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned and HUBZone small businesses. While the majority of acquisitions remain open to full and open competition, she strategically deploys socioeconomic set-asides to expand market access and strengthen the industrial base supporting Coast Guard operations. Her primary technical focus lies in NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which accounts for over half of her portfolio, supplemented by commercial construction (236220) and engine equipment manufacturing (333618). She specializes in procuring naval vessel maintenance services, marine coating systems, and integrated propulsion components, demonstrating deep domain expertise in maritime defense logistics and industrial base resilience.