Marilyn Gray

Marilyn S. Gray serves as a Contract Specialist within the C5I Division 3 Portsmouth of the U.S. Coast Guard, where she plays a pivotal role in executing complex acquisitions to modernize maritime command, control, communications, computers, cyber, and intelligence (C5I) systems. She manages the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring alignment with national security objectives and operational resilience across maritime domains. Her portfolio primarily encompasses advanced telecommunications, navigation, and surveillance systems critical to search and rescue, maritime domain awareness, and cyber-enabled mission support. Gray maintains consistent working relationships with leading technology providers, most notably Trimble Inc., a key partner in precision positioning and integrated C5I solutions. Her contracting patterns reflect collaboration with defense and aerospace contractors specializing in satellite communications, radio frequency systems, and mission-critical instrumentation. She engages with vendors capable of delivering ruggedized, field-deployable technologies that meet stringent military specifications, fostering partnerships grounded in technical compliance, performance reliability, and cybersecurity standards. Her contracting activity is overwhelmingly non-set-aside, with 95.7% of awards issued under full and open competition, indicating a strong emphasis on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic preferences. While 8(a) competed awards represent a minor but intentional portion of her portfolio, her approach prioritizes mission-critical performance, with socioeconomic set-asides used selectively to supplement specialized capabilities. Gray’s procurement focus centers on NAICS 517410 (Satellite Telecommunications), 334511 (Navigation and Detection Systems Manufacturing), 334220 (Wireless Communications Equipment), and 237130 (Power and Communication Line Construction). She regularly acquires satellite ground stations, maritime radar systems, secure radio networks, and infrastructure to support C5I integration, demonstrating deep expertise in high-reliability, mission-critical communications and sensing technologies essential to Coast Guard operational effectiveness.