Susan Thomas

Susan Thomas serves as a Contracting Officer responsible for managing complex acquisitions in defense and aerospace systems, with a primary focus on aviation and communications equipment. She plays a critical role in executing the agency’s procurement mission by ensuring compliance with federal acquisition regulations, conducting market research, and facilitating competitive bidding processes. Her portfolio centers on high-technology, mission-critical components, particularly those related to aircraft subsystems and wireless communications hardware. Thomas routinely handles sole-source, sealed bid, and negotiated contracts under FAR Part 15, emphasizing technical evaluation, risk mitigation, and lifecycle cost considerations in her decision-making. While no specific contractor relationships are identifiable from available data, Susan Thomas maintains a procurement environment that prioritizes technical capability and regulatory compliance over vendor familiarity. She engages with a diverse pool of manufacturers and suppliers capable of meeting stringent performance, certification, and quality assurance standards, particularly those holding AS9100 or ISO 9001 certifications. Her contracting patterns suggest a preference for established defense industrial base participants with proven experience in aerospace systems integration and RF component manufacturing. Susan Thomas demonstrates a strong commitment to small business participation, with 13.6% of her awards designated as Total Small Business Set-Asides under FAR 19.5. Although the majority of her acquisitions remain open to full and open competition, her consistent use of small business set-asides reflects a deliberate effort to foster competition and expand the supplier base among qualified small manufacturers. She does not appear to prioritize other socioeconomic categories such as 8(a), HUBZone, or SDVOSB, indicating a focused but inclusive approach to socioeconomic contracting. Her procurement expertise is heavily concentrated in NAICS 336413 (Other Aircraft Parts and Auxiliary Equipment Manufacturing), reflecting deep specialization in avionics, flight control systems, and non-engine aircraft components. The remaining 4.5% of her activity falls under NAICS 334220, indicating engagement with radio, radar, and wireless communication equipment. Thomas possesses technical fluency in electromagnetic compatibility, MIL-STD specifications, and FAA certification requirements, positioning her as a subject matter expert in defense aerospace procurement.