Coast Guard names Grady senior procurement exec

The Coast Guard yesterday named Claire M. Grady to a new position 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 T. Blore, via his deputy, in the new procurement directorate initiating operations on July 13, said Coast Guard spokesman Jeffrey T. 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 Commander 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 served in 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.

She holds a bachelor's degree from Trinity University, master's degree in business administration from the University of Maryland and 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, it was announced that Rear Adm. Ronald J. Rábago would take over as program executive officer of Deepwater, relieving Blore.

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

Michael Tangora, the current deputy program executive officer for Deepwater, will become the deputy assistant commandant for acquisition under Blore.