Susan Bennett-Minniti

Susan Bennett-Minniti is a seasoned procurement professional responsible for managing acquisitions within the miscellaneous food manufacturing sector, ensuring the timely and compliant delivery of specialized food products to support federal operations. She plays a critical role in executing the agency’s mission by overseeing the full lifecycle of contracts—from market research and solicitation to award and performance monitoring—focusing on high-integrity sourcing of processed and prepared food items that meet stringent nutritional and safety standards. Her acquisitions typically involve commercial off-the-shelf food products, value-added manufacturing services, and packaging solutions aligned with federal dietary guidelines. Her contractor relationships are centered on manufacturers and processors capable of consistent, large-scale production under federal food safety protocols. While no single vendor dominates her portfolio, she engages with a broad base of qualified suppliers, including firms with GFSI certifications and USDA-compliant facilities, fostering competitive, open-market procurement practices. Her working relationships emphasize transparency, performance accountability, and adherence to quality assurance requirements under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Bennett-Minniti maintains a strong preference for open, non-set-aside acquisitions, with 100% of her awards issued under unrestricted competition. This reflects a strategic focus on maximizing market participation and ensuring the broadest possible access to qualified vendors, rather than targeting specific socioeconomic categories. Her approach prioritizes capability, capacity, and compliance over socioeconomic preferences, aligning with agency directives to maintain equitable and efficient procurement outcomes. Her primary expertise lies in NAICS 311999—All Other Miscellaneous Food Manufacturing—where she procures a range of specialty food items including ready-to-eat meals, shelf-stable provisions, and custom-formulated nutritional products. She possesses deep technical knowledge of food safety systems, HACCP plans, and supply chain traceability requirements, ensuring all contracted products meet federal standards for safety, shelf life, and allergen control. Her domain expertise ensures mission-critical food needs are met with reliability and regulatory precision.