Tara N. Upchurch

Tara N. Upchurch serves as a key procurement professional within the U.S. Coast Guard’s SFLC Procurement Branch 3 (70Z040), responsible for managing complex acquisitions to sustain and modernize the Coast Guard’s maritime fleet. Her work directly supports the agency’s mission of ensuring operational readiness through the procurement of critical vessel systems, including propulsion, electrical, and auxiliary equipment. She oversees the full lifecycle of shipbuilding and maintenance contracts, focusing on technical specifications for turbine systems, marine engines, and integrated power solutions. Her acquisitions are mission-critical, ensuring the endurance and safety of Coast Guard cutters and support vessels across diverse operational environments. Upchurch maintains consistent working relationships with a core group of specialized marine and industrial contractors, including Philadelphia Electrical Equipment Co., JDCI Enterprises, Inc., ALS Services USA, Corp., Cabras Marine Corporation, and Bay Marine Boatworks, Inc. These vendors are selected for their proven expertise in marine electrical systems, vessel repair, and propulsion component manufacturing. Her procurement approach emphasizes long-term vendor partnerships grounded in technical capability, quality assurance, and compliance with naval engineering standards, fostering reliable delivery of mission-essential equipment. Her contracting portfolio reflects a strong preference for unrestricted competition, with approximately 90% of awards issued under no set-aside conditions, indicating a focus on technical merit and capability over socioeconomic categorization. The remaining 10% are awarded under Total Small Business Set-Asides, demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to small business participation without compromising operational requirements. Upchurch’s primary procurement focus lies within NAICS 333611 (Turbine and Turbine Generator Set Units Manufacturing) and 333618 (Other Engine Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in marine power systems. She procures high-integrity turbine generators, auxiliary engines, and integrated propulsion components designed for harsh maritime environments, ensuring compliance with Coast Guard and Coast Guard-approved naval specifications. Her domain knowledge centers on the integration of mechanical, electrical, and control systems critical to vessel survivability and mission performance.