Susan M Sutherland

Susan M. Sutherland serves as Director, Contracts and Grants, overseeing the strategic formulation and execution of federal acquisition initiatives to support mission-critical research and technology objectives. In this leadership role, she ensures compliance with federal procurement regulations while advancing agency priorities through transparent, competitive contracting processes. She manages a diverse portfolio of services-based acquisitions, primarily centered on scientific research, engineering analysis, and IT systems design, guiding teams through solicitation development, source selection, and contract administration to deliver high-value outcomes aligned with national scientific and technological goals. While specific contractor names are not disclosed in available records, her procurement patterns reflect consistent engagement with both large prime contractors and small business concerns, particularly those with technical expertise in physical sciences and computer systems design. Her approach emphasizes performance-based contracting, clear statement of work development, and structured vendor evaluations to ensure technical excellence and accountability. She fosters collaborative relationships with vendors capable of delivering innovative, scalable solutions under complex federal compliance frameworks. Sutherland demonstrates a strong commitment to socioeconomic contracting, with nearly one-third of her awards designated for 8(a) competed set-asides, indicating a deliberate focus on empowering small disadvantaged businesses. The majority of her acquisitions remain open to full and open competition, yet her consistent use of the 8(a) program reflects a balanced strategy that promotes equitable access to federal opportunities while maintaining rigorous standards for technical capability and performance. Her primary procurement focus lies in NAICS 541712 (Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences) and 541512 (Computer Systems Design Services), underscoring her expertise in securing advanced scientific R&D, data analytics, modeling and simulation, and custom software development. She routinely procures technical services requiring specialized domain knowledge in engineering systems, laboratory instrumentation, and mission-critical IT infrastructure, ensuring the agency’s access to cutting-edge scientific and computational capabilities.