Michelle Norton

Michelle Norton serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing the acquisition of perishable and prepared food products to support federal operations. She oversees the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from market research and solicitation development to contract award and administration—ensuring compliance with FAR regulations and agency mission requirements. Her portfolio centers on food manufacturing and supply chain solutions, with a focus on ensuring timely, safe, and reliable delivery of essential food items. Norton’s work is critical to sustaining operational readiness and nutritional standards across federal programs requiring consistent food service support. While specific contractor names are not available, Norton maintains relationships with a diverse pool of manufacturers and suppliers specializing in food production, including both large-scale processors and small business entities. Her contracting patterns reflect a preference for competitive, open solicitations, with a balanced emphasis on efficiency and regulatory compliance. She engages vendors through multiple contracting vehicles, including Indefinite-Delivery/Indefinite-Quantity (IDIQ) contracts and basic ordering agreements, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in performance and quality assurance. Norton demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 11.8% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her awards are unrestricted, her consistent use of small business set-asides reflects a deliberate effort to expand market access for qualified small manufacturers. Her approach aligns with federal socioeconomic goals, prioritizing opportunities for small businesses without compromising acquisition integrity or operational needs. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 311991 (Perishable Prepared Food Manufacturing), 311812 (Commercial Bakeries), and 311511 (Fluid Milk Manufacturing), reflecting deep expertise in food safety, shelf-life management, and cold-chain logistics. She routinely procures ready-to-serve meals, baked goods, and fluid dairy products, requiring specialized knowledge of FDA and USDA compliance standards, packaging requirements, and temperature-controlled distribution protocols. Norton’s technical proficiency ensures that all acquisitions meet stringent nutritional and safety benchmarks.