Marilyn B. Whaley

Marilyn B. Whaley serves as a Contracting Officer within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), where she manages complex acquisitions supporting scientific research, environmental monitoring, and satellite-based data systems. Her portfolio centers on procuring advanced telecommunications, custom software development, and technical services critical to NOAA’s mission of Earth system observation and climate resilience. She exercises full contracting authority under FAR Part 15, overseeing competitive solicitations, source selection, and contract administration for high-impact technical programs that enable oceanographic, atmospheric, and coastal data collection. Whaley maintains consistent working relationships with a focused group of contractors, including the Wisconsin Educational Communications Board, Tronconi Segarra & Associates LLP, JNB Services LLC, Pure Enviro-Management, LLC, and The Regents of the University of Colorado. These partnerships reflect a blend of academic research institutions, specialized environmental consultants, and technology service providers with proven expertise in geospatial systems, data analytics, and satellite communications. Her contracting approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes and long-term vendor collaboration to ensure mission-critical continuity in scientific operations. A strong advocate for small business participation, Whaley consistently structures over 60% of her acquisitions as small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, prioritizing opportunities for small disadvantaged, woman-owned, and service-disabled veteran-owned firms. Her socioeconomic strategy aligns with NOAA’s broader goals of inclusive economic growth and regional workforce development, ensuring diverse vendors have equitable access to high-value technical contracts. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), 541511 (Custom Computer Programming Services), and 541519 (Other Computer-Related Services), reflecting deep expertise in acquiring satellite ground systems, real-time data processing platforms, and tailored software solutions for environmental modeling. She routinely procures secure, scalable IT infrastructure and analytical tools that support NOAA’s operational forecasting and marine ecosystem monitoring missions.