ALEIDA GERALD
Contracts and Grants Specialist
Washington,DC
Summary
Seasoned Federal Acquisition and Contract Management Professional with 15+ years of progressive experience supporting USAID, DoD, and federal contractor environments. Proven track record in full lifecycle management of complex contracts, including pre-award strategy, solicitation development, negotiation, post-award administration, and closeout. Strong command of FAR, DFARS, AIDAR, 2 CFR 200, and emerging acquisition strategies including OTAs and adaptive acquisition frameworks.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Senior Team Lead, Performance & Operations
Credence Management Solutions | USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
01.2024 - 05.2025
- Oversaw contract administration and performance for over 50 institutional support contractors, ensuring compliance with USAID policies and procedures.
- Partnered with senior leadership to address complex personnel, performance, and employee relations issues, contributing to governance and contractual integrity.
- Developed acquisition-related templates, SOPs, and performance tracking tools to streamline deliverable reviews and reporting.
- Interfaced with CORs, HR, legal, and finance teams to address employee contract modifications, funding realignments, and procurement requests.
Senior Contracts Specialist
DARPA Contractor – ECS Federal
01.2023 - 12.2023
- Managed the cradle-to-grave lifecycle of R&D and IT-focused DoD contracts, including Other Transactions (OTs), Broad Agency Announcements (BAAs), and Cooperative Agreements.
- Drafted, reviewed, and negotiated acquisition packages using Procurement Desktop-Defense (PD2); ensured compliance with FAR, DFARS, and DARPA-specific acquisition policies.
- Conducted detailed cost and price analyses, supported source selection documentation, and collaborated with program teams on procurement strategies.
- Provided lifecycle support for contract modifications, deliverables, and DD254s, including pre-award planning, post-award administration, and contract closeout.
- Assisted with internal and external audit preparation and supported reporting requirements and financial tracking across contract portfolios.
Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist
Macfadden (Amentum) | USAID BHA
02.2019 - 12.2022
- Managed the full contract and grant lifecycle for approximately 100+ international development and humanitarian programs, including pre-award acquisition strategy, solicitation drafting, proposal evaluations, and price negotiations.
- Drafted and reviewed Technical Instructions (TIs), RFP packages, and acquisition planning documents.
- Supported award modifications, financial monitoring, and contract milestone tracking in line with federal performance and budget review cycles.
- Interpreted complex contract terms and intellectual property clauses, maintaining compliance with U.S. government regulations.
- Liaised with internal stakeholders and vendors to clarify deliverables, resolve disputes, and maintain award integrity.
- Collaborated closely with legal counsel to draft, review, and finalize contractual agreements that met both parties'' needs.
- Provided expert guidance during contract disputes resolution processes, fostering positive relationships between parties involved.
- Reduced contract approval times by conducting thorough reviews of templates and promptly addressing any discrepancies or concerns.
- Negotiated favorable terms with suppliers, achieving cost reductions while maintaining quality standards.
Managing Senior Grants & Contracts Officer
World Vision, Inc.
03.2007 - 02.2019
- Led acquisition strategy and full lifecycle administration for federal and non-federal awards, including IT and M&E system procurements.
- Developed internal policy guidance and checklists for procurement planning, multiyear contracting, and advance funding mechanisms.
- Administered contract modifications, prepared class J&As, and monitored CDRLs and performance metrics for U.S. and international sub-contractors.
- Trained program staff on procurement regulations, cost principles, and allowable/unallowable cost structures under 2 CFR 200.
- Supported multiple audits and maintained readiness for donor reviews, contributing to organizational risk mitigation.
Education
Master of Arts - Legal and Ethical Studies
University of Baltimore
Baltimore, MD12.2003
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Notre Dame of Maryland University
Baltimore, MD05.1999
Skills
- Federal & DoD Acquisition: FAR/DFARS, AIDAR, STRAPs, J&As, RFPs, DD 254s, OTAs, CDRLs
- Contract Lifecycle Management: Pre-Award, Post-Award, Closeout, Pricing Analysis, Risk Mitigation
- Documentation & Compliance: Procurement Planning, Modifications, TIs, PRs, IP/Data Rights, Audit Prep
- Program Support: Contract Status Reports, Financial Metrics, Deliverable Tracking, Internal/External Reviews
- Tools & Systems: GLAAS, SAMgov, Grantsgov, Workday, Costpoint, Microsoft 365, HRIS, DoD Writing Systems
- Team Leadership & Communication: Cross-functional Coordination, Stakeholder Engagement, Conflict Resolution
Certification
- Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) – NCMA – In Progress
- Analyzing Contract Costs – Defense Acquisition University – 2025-06
- Contract Foundational Skills – Defense Acquisition University – 2023-09
- Grants Management Professional Certificate – Management Concepts – 2020-02
Timeline
Senior Team Lead, Performance & Operations
Credence Management Solutions | USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance
01.2024 - 05.2025
Senior Contracts Specialist
DARPA Contractor – ECS Federal
01.2023 - 12.2023
Senior Grants & Contracts Specialist
Macfadden (Amentum) | USAID BHA
02.2019 - 12.2022
Managing Senior Grants & Contracts Officer
World Vision, Inc.
03.2007 - 02.2019
Master of Arts - Legal and Ethical Studies
University of Baltimore
Bachelor of Arts - Business Management
Notre Dame of Maryland University
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