Susan M. Peterson

Susan M. Peterson serves as a Contract Specialist responsible for managing the full lifecycle of federal acquisitions, from solicitation through award and contract administration. She plays a critical role in ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations, particularly under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), and supports the agency’s mission by facilitating timely, transparent, and efficient contracting processes. Her portfolio primarily includes complex procurements for specialized industrial and medical equipment, with a strong emphasis on small business participation and socioeconomic program objectives. Peterson routinely handles competitive and set-aside contracts requiring detailed technical evaluations and stringent performance requirements. Her contractor relationships are characterized by consistent engagement with small and mid-sized manufacturers, particularly those certified under small business set-aside programs. While no single vendor dominates her award portfolio, she maintains a broad network of qualified vendors across niche manufacturing sectors, fostering long-term partnerships with firms capable of meeting precise technical specifications. Her approach emphasizes fairness, competition, and vendor development, encouraging new entrants into federal contracting through clear solicitation language and accessible pre-solicitation outreach. Peterson demonstrates a pronounced commitment to small business procurement, with 71.4% of her acquisitions designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. She prioritizes opportunities for small businesses across multiple socioeconomic categories, aligning with federal goals to expand economic inclusion. Her contracting patterns reflect a deliberate strategy to maximize small business participation without compromising technical performance or mission readiness. Her primary industry focus lies in specialized manufacturing sectors, including textile and fabric finishing (NAICS 313310), welding and soldering equipment manufacturing (333992), and metal valve and pipe fitting production (332919), alongside niche medical supply manufacturing (339113). These areas require deep technical understanding of materials, precision engineering, and regulatory compliance, particularly for applications in healthcare and industrial infrastructure. Peterson’s expertise enables her to effectively evaluate technical proposals and ensure contractor capability aligns with mission-critical requirements.