Susan E. Plumlee

Susan E. Plumlee serves as a Contract Negotiator responsible for executing complex procurement actions within the aerospace and defense sector, with a singular focus on aircraft engine and engine parts manufacturing. In this role, she leads the negotiation, evaluation, and award of contracts governed by FAR Part 15, ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations while balancing technical requirements, cost realism, and schedule integrity. Her work is critical to sustaining mission-critical propulsion systems for national defense and aviation infrastructure, requiring deep technical understanding of turbine systems, component reliability, and supply chain resilience. Plumlee manages the full lifecycle of solicitations, from market research and RFP development through source selection and contract execution, ensuring alignment with agency operational needs and statutory obligations. While specific contractor names are not available, Plumlee engages with a diverse pool of prime contractors and subcontractors specializing in advanced propulsion systems, including Tier 1 aerospace manufacturers and specialized component suppliers. Her negotiation approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, incentive structures, and risk-sharing mechanisms to ensure accountability and innovation. She maintains collaborative relationships with vendors possessing AS9100 certification and robust quality management systems, fostering long-term partnerships grounded in technical excellence and regulatory compliance. Plumlee demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 20% of her acquisitions structured as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. While the majority of her portfolio remains open to all competitors, she consistently prioritizes opportunities for small businesses with demonstrated capability in precision machining, materials science, and engine assembly. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate effort to expand the small business industrial base without compromising technical performance or schedule reliability. Her procurement expertise is narrowly concentrated in NAICS 336412, encompassing the design, development, and production of aircraft engines, auxiliary power units, and critical engine components. She possesses deep familiarity with technical specifications for jet propulsion systems, turbine blade manufacturing, and emissions-compliant engine technologies, making her a key steward of high-stakes, mission-critical aerospace acquisitions.