Susan Gavano

Susan Gavano serves as a Contract Specialist at the Mid Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center, where she plays a pivotal role in executing mission-critical acquisitions to sustain and modernize U.S. Navy surface platforms. Responsible for managing the full lifecycle of procurement actions—from solicitation through contract award and administration—she ensures compliance with federal acquisition regulations while supporting the agency’s core mission of maintaining fleet readiness. Her portfolio primarily encompasses industrial and technical contracts for sheet metal fabrication, structural metal systems, and mechanical subsystems essential to naval vessel integrity, alongside specialized training services for industrial workforce development. Gavano maintains consistent working relationships with key contractors including Fairlead Boatworks, Inc., General Dynamics Information Technology, Howard W. Pence, Inc., and Kampi Components Co., Inc., reflecting a preference for established industrial vendors with proven capabilities in naval maintenance and metal fabrication. Her contracting approach emphasizes reliability, technical compliance, and long-term vendor performance, fostering partnerships with firms that demonstrate deep domain expertise in shipyard-grade manufacturing and repair support. A staunch advocate for small business participation, Gavano consistently prioritizes Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5, with over 80% of her acquisitions reserved for small businesses. This reflects a deliberate strategy to expand economic opportunity while leveraging the agility and innovation of small manufacturers and service providers aligned with Navy industrial needs. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 332322 (Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing) and 332999 (Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing), with additional emphasis on metal container production and specialized training services. She possesses technical proficiency in evaluating fabrication tolerances, material specifications, and quality assurance protocols critical to naval platform sustainment, making her a key enabler of maritime operational readiness through precise, compliant, and mission-driven contracting.