Susan J. McDaniel

Susan J. McDaniel serves as a key procurement lead within the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (HDTRA1), managing complex acquisitions that support the agency’s mission to counter weapons of mass destruction and emerging national security threats. She oversees the acquisition of advanced scientific, technical, and operational capabilities—including analytical instrumentation, forensic analysis tools, and threat detection systems—ensuring alignment with DoD standards and national defense priorities. Her portfolio centers on R&D-driven contracts requiring high technical precision, often involving classified or sensitive environments, and she plays a critical role in translating mission needs into compliant, performance-based solicitations under FAR and DFARS guidelines. McDaniel maintains longstanding relationships with leading technical contractors including TECHTRANS INTERNATIONAL INC, BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE, AERIS LLC, APPLIED RESEARCH ASSOCIATES, INC., and AMAZON WEB SERVICES, INC. These partnerships reflect a strategic emphasis on integrating cutting-edge scientific research, engineering services, and cloud-based analytical platforms to enhance threat intelligence and response capabilities. Her contracting approach prioritizes mission-critical innovation, often leveraging Other Transaction Authorities and research consortia to accelerate deployment of novel solutions in chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and high-yield explosive domains. Her procurement patterns show a strong preference for open competition, with 64.3% of awards issued without set-asides, yet she actively supports small business participation through Total Small Business Set-Asides, accounting for 35.7% of awards. This balanced approach ensures access to specialized small business capabilities while maintaining flexibility for large-scale, high-complexity requirements. McDaniel’s primary NAICS focus areas include analytical laboratory instrument manufacturing, research and development in physical and engineering sciences, engineering services, and testing laboratory services—all aligned with HDTRA1’s emphasis on forensic analysis, environmental monitoring, and threat characterization. Her expertise lies in procuring mission-critical systems that demand rigorous validation, compliance with federal standards, and rapid integration into operational environments.