Melinda Simmons-Healy

Melinda Simmons-Healy serves as Chief of Contracting Office for the U.S. Maritime Administration, where she oversees the strategic acquisition of critical maritime infrastructure and vessel support services. In this role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing the agency’s mission to sustain and modernize the U.S. merchant marine fleet. Her portfolio primarily encompasses shipbuilding, repair, and related industrial support contracts, with a strong emphasis on domestic shipyard revitalization and fleet readiness. She manages full lifecycle procurements from solicitation through contract award and administration, aligning acquisitions with national security and economic resilience objectives. Simmons-Healy maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including SPEARS MILTON G, L1 ENTERPRISES INCORPORATED, BAY SHIP & YACHT CO, LOGIS-TECH, LLC, and HF FABRICATION LLC. These partnerships are centered on specialized shipyard services, vessel maintenance, and industrial fabrication, reflecting a preference for vendors with proven expertise in maritime engineering and U.S.-based manufacturing capabilities. Her contracting approach emphasizes long-term vendor collaboration, technical reliability, and adherence to maritime industry standards. A strong advocate for small business participation, Simmons-Healy prioritizes Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with nearly 59% of her awards designated for small businesses. While service-disabled veteran-owned small business set-asides are minimal, her overall contracting pattern demonstrates a deliberate focus on broadening small business access to high-value maritime contracts, consistent with federal socioeconomic goals. Her primary procurement focus is on NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing), which accounts for over 60% of her activity, underscoring deep technical expertise in vessel construction, dry-dock operations, and marine fabrication. She also procures related services in inland water freight and electrical contracting, but her core domain expertise lies in the complex engineering and regulatory environment of U.S. shipyard modernization and fleet sustainment.