Sue M. Messina

Sue M. Messina serves as a Contract Specialist at the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), where she plays a pivotal role in executing acquisitions that support the modernization of the nation’s intellectual property infrastructure. She manages a diverse portfolio of contracts focused on digital examination systems, cybersecurity enhancements, and public-facing technology platforms critical to patent and trademark operations. Her work ensures the agency’s technological capabilities align with mission-critical objectives, including data integrity, system scalability, and seamless public access to IP resources. Messina specializes in complex IT and software procurement under FAR and agency-specific guidelines, often navigating high-stakes acquisitions involving mission-critical systems. Messina maintains consistent contracting relationships with key vendors such as IP.COM I, LLC and Innovative Transducer Implementation, LLC, both of which provide specialized technology solutions tailored to USPTO’s unique operational needs. Her procurement approach emphasizes performance-based outcomes, leveraging long-term vendor partnerships to ensure continuity, system interoperability, and technical support for legacy and next-generation platforms. These relationships reflect a preference for established contractors with proven expertise in intellectual property systems, rather than transactional engagements. Her contracting patterns show a strong emphasis on open competition, with 88.2% of awards issued without set-aside designations. When set-asides are utilized, they are evenly split between 8(a) competed and Total Small Business Set-Aside (FAR 19.5) mechanisms, demonstrating a measured but deliberate commitment to small business participation without compromising mission requirements. Messina’s acquisitions are heavily concentrated in NAICS 423430 (Computer and Computer Peripheral Equipment and Software Merchant Wholesalers) and NAICS 541519 (Other Computer Related Services), reflecting her focus on procuring enterprise software, integrated IT platforms, and specialized technical services. Her expertise lies in securing commercial-off-the-shelf and custom-developed solutions that enhance digital examination workflows, data security, and user-facing public portals for patent and trademark stakeholders.