Pearse McDade

Pearse McDade serves as a key procurement lead within the U.S. Coast Guard’s Headquarters Contract Operations (CG-912), overseeing strategic acquisitions critical to maritime security and operational readiness. Responsible for managing the acquisition lifecycle of heavy civil engineering and vessel construction projects, McDade ensures alignment with the Coast Guard’s mission to modernize coastal patrol fleets, enhance maritime domain awareness, and sustain specialized vessel capabilities. His portfolio centers on complex, mission-critical contracts requiring technical oversight of shipbuilding, infrastructure upgrades, and integrated maritime systems, often involving multi-year delivery schedules and stringent compliance with naval engineering standards. McDade maintains long-standing relationships with a core group of specialized shipyards and maritime contractors, including Bollinger Shipyards, Davie Defense Inc., Rauma Marine Constructions Oy, and Rozema’s Boat Works, Inc. These partnerships reflect a preference for vendors with proven expertise in vessel new construction, mid-life modernization, and riverine craft maintenance. His contracting approach emphasizes collaboration with contractors possessing deep domain knowledge in naval architecture and Coast Guard-specific operational requirements, fostering trust through consistent performance and regulatory adherence. McDade exhibits a strong and consistent commitment to small business participation, with 100% of his acquisitions structured as total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5. This reflects a deliberate strategy to maximize opportunities for small, qualified firms capable of delivering specialized maritime construction and engineering services, ensuring broad socioeconomic inclusion without compromising mission-critical standards. His contracting patterns consistently prioritize small business eligibility, reinforcing the Coast Guard’s mandate to foster innovation and resilience within the defense industrial base. His primary procurement focus is on NAICS 237990 (Other Heavy and Civil Engineering Construction), encompassing the design, fabrication, and integration of patrol vessels, buoy tugs, and specialized maritime infrastructure. McDade’s technical expertise lies in acquiring complex, custom-built platforms requiring compliance with U.S. Navy and Coast Guard shipbuilding specifications, including survivability, propulsion, and command systems integration.