Benedict K. Burnowski

Benedict K. Burnowski serves as a Contracting Officer for the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration, where he manages the acquisition of critical maritime infrastructure, vessel support services, and national defense readiness assets. His portfolio centers on ensuring the operational readiness of the National Defense Reserve Fleet and supporting the U.S. Merchant Marine through strategic procurement of technical and engineering services. Burnowski routinely handles complex, mission-critical contracts under FAR Part 13 and Part 15, with a focus on performance-based acquisition methods that align with DOT and MARAD’s long-term maritime modernization goals. He maintains a consistent working relationship with CONNECTA SATELLITE SOLUTIONS LLC, a key provider of maritime communications and satellite-based navigation systems. His contracting patterns reflect a preference for established industry partners with proven expertise in maritime logistics, vessel maintenance, and navigational infrastructure, though he actively engages with a diverse vendor base to meet specialized technical requirements. His approach emphasizes reliability, compliance, and mission alignment over volume, fostering long-term vendor partnerships grounded in performance accountability. Burnowski’s set-aside profile shows a strong preference for open competition, with 86.7% of awards issued without socioeconomic set-asides. However, he consistently reserves 13.3% of opportunities for total small business set-asides under FAR 19.5, demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to small business participation without compromising mission needs. He does not routinely utilize 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB set-asides, prioritizing capability and readiness over socioeconomic classifications unless explicitly warranted. His primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 488390 (Other Support Activities for Water Transportation), encompassing vessel maintenance, port services, and maritime logistics support. He also frequently procures services under NAICS 237990 (Heavy Civil Engineering) for dock and terminal infrastructure and NAICS 336611 (Ship Building and Repairing) for fleet modernization. His technical expertise spans maritime systems integration, navigational services, and vessel readiness protocols, positioning him as a specialist in sustaining the nation’s strategic maritime capabilities.