Coast Guard names new procurement executive

The Coast Guard named Claire Grady to a new position June 19 as senior procurement executive and head of contracting activity for its new acquisitions directorate, effective July 13.

Grady, currently director of strategic initiatives in the Homeland Security Department’s Office of the Chief Procurement Officer, will report to Rear Admiral Gary Blore, through his deputy, in the new procurement directorate initiating operations July 13, said Coast Guard spokesman Jeffrey Carter.

Blore, formerly program executive manager for the $24 billion Integrated Deepwater Systems asset modernization program, will lead the new acquisitions unit starting on that date.

Grady, who has 16 years’ experience in government procurement, is filling a new position created and staffed as part of Cmdr. Thad Allen's commitment to strengthening the Coast Guard's acquisition corps, Carter said.

“Successful procurement and contract execution will play a large role in modernizing the Coast Guard, and we are fortunate to have an individual as qualified as Claire Grady leading the Coast Guard’s procurement and contracting efforts,” Allen said.

Before joining DHS, Grady held several procurement positions with the Navy, including deputy division director for surface weapon systems for the Naval Sea Systems Command, contracting officer for the Navy’s amphibious assault combat ship, program manager for the Navy-wide acquisition of contractor support services, and director of strategic initiatives for the Naval Sea Systems Command contracts directorate.

Grady holds a bachelor’s degree from Trinity University, a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and a master’s degree in national resources strategy from the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

Her appointment is one of several changes in acquisition personnel at the Coast Guard. On June 7, the service announced that Rear Adm. Ronald Rábago would take over as program executive officer of Deepwater, relieving Blore.

The changes are part of Allen’s actions to address criticism by Congress and the Homeland Security Department inspector general for Deepwater’s alleged mismanagement, delays and cost overruns.

Alice Lipowicz writes for Washington Technology, an 1105 Government Information Group publication.