CHEQUETTA Y. WASHINGTON
Baltimore,MD
Summary
Seasoned team lead, adept in decision-making, relationship-building, and project management, leveraged Federal Acquisition Regulations to enhance project efficiency. Spearheaded cross-functional teams, driving significant improvements in procurement and program operations; and significant achievements in overseeing complex projects and ensuring compliance with governance policies. Excelled in using Google and Microsoft Suites to streamline processes and foster team collaboration.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Quality Assurance Team Lead
USAID/BHA
Washington, DC
01.2022 - Current
- Develop and interpret policies, procedures, and strategies governing project planning and service delivery throughout the bureau; provide expert technical advice, guidance, and management recommendations.
- Communicate complex requirements to non-technical personnel.
- Prepares and presents briefings to senior management officials on complex, controversial issues in business processes.
- Develop project and program performance measures, and monitor and evaluate project performance throughout the life cycle.
- Charter and lead cross-functional, integrated project teams; mentor junior contract staff; and develop annual work plans.
- Serve as a Contracting Officer Representative and Agreement Officer Representative for contracts, task orders, grants, and cooperative agreements.
- Independently evaluate contractor and business procedures, and processes for efficiency.
- Prepare, execute, and manage office budgeting, including requesting and tracking obligations.
- Supporting Emergency Response Operations.
Senior Program Operations Specialist
USAID/BHA
Washington, DC
06.2021 - 01.2022
- Developed, reviewed, and revised statements of work, statements of objectives, and performance work statements for personnel services contractors, and large procurements.
- Developed pre-planning documents, such as individual acquisition plans, source selection plans, selection of instrument memos, negotiation memoranda, and market research documentation.
- Conducted administrative, funded, and termination modifications for acquisition and assistance awards.
- Served as the activity manager and alternate Contracting Officer Representative on a multi-million-dollar institutional support contract and small task orders.
- Liaised with, and provided recommendations to the Office of Acquisition and Assistance regarding waivers and deviations.
- Maintained electronic systems that track and manage procurement actions for the office.
- Identified and addressed deficiencies in the procurement cycle to ensure actions were processed effectively.
- Reviewed and prepared budgets for personal services contracts for highly technical positions in complex areas; reviewed and analyzed budgets for humanitarian assistance awards that are being implemented in vulnerable, insecure areas.
- Facilitated the security clearance needs for new recruitments and current staff.
- Conducted market research and developed independent government cost estimates.
- Researched and interpreted policy and regulations in the Federal Acquisition Regulations, AIDAR, and Agency Directive System.
- Developed and revised templates, standard operating procedures, and internal guidance for the office.
- Provided day-to-day guidance to junior staff members, and fostered employee morale, and team building.
- Represented the office to implementing partners to communicate the office's response strategy, award expectations, and funding priorities.
Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
XLA/USAID/GH
Washington, DC
03.2014 - 06.2016
- Conducted cost analyses for fixed-price contract proposals submitted to USAID.
- Reviewed and processed incremental funding and no-cost administrative modifications associated with personal services contracts.
- Utilized federal government policies, procedures, and regulations to create base awards and modifications ranging from $100,000 to $700,000 for contracting officer signature.
- Maintained the contract management database, including an external tracker for the client, with 100% accuracy.
- Processed vehicle and equipment approval requests for cooperative agreements and grants.
- Directed applicants in the Personal Services Contract (PSC) hiring process, and led new hire orientations.
- Facilitated negotiations between the candidates and the Contracting Officer, with an 85% success rate.
- Performed pre-award and post-award contract administration, notifying the technical office of security, medical clearance updates, and contract effective dates.
- Maintained electronic and hard copy files and systems in compliance with United States government, agency, and office standards.
Contract Specialist
XLA/USAID/OFDA
Washington, DC
04.2011 - 03.2014
- Prepared and processed contractual documents for personal services contracts, utilizing Federal Government policies, procedures, and regulations, with base awards and modifications ranging from $100,000 to $500,000.
- Conducted salary determinations and negotiations between the candidates and the Contracting Officer.
- Collaborated closely with the Contracting Officer and internal teams to resolve contractual and administrative concerns.
- Formulated and submitted contract budgets for approval.
- Performed pre-award and post-award contract administration, notifying the technical office of upcoming contract actions, availability of funds, security, medical clearance updates, contract effective dates, and required performance evaluations.
- Conducted close-out procedures, which include de-obligation of contract funds.
- Initiated the security clearance process in conjunction with internal policies.
- Researched and interpreted policy questions for personal services contractors and the technical office.
- Maintained accurate electronic and hard copy files and systems in compliance with USG, agency, and office standards.
Facilities & Operations Manager
Macfadden & Associates/USAID/OFDA
Washington, DC
01.2010 - 04.2011
- Managed an 80-person remote location facility while acting as the liaison between the corporate office and Macfadden employees.
- Processed vendor invoicing on behalf of the Agency.
- Coordinated with building management and vendors regarding office operations.
- Facilitated medium- to large-sized meeting and event planning, ordering supplies, and services.
- Assisted with employee recruiting efforts, onboarding, and termination of employees.
Human Resource Manager
Macfadden & Associates
Silver Spring, MD
02.2008 - 01.2010
- Prepared and distributed performance evaluations.
- Developed and implemented effective professional development programs.
- Conducted benefit administration, enrollment, and open enrollment meetings.
- Evaluated reports, decisions, and feedback from departments concerning established goals.
- Provided feedback and suggestions for the quarterly newsletter, and other communication vehicles.
- Performed 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) administration.
- Conducted an annual evaluation of summary plan descriptions, handbooks, and other policies.
- Ensured compliance with the Department of Labor and other employment laws.
- Managed mandatory annual training requirements, and ensured 100% compliance.
Employee Relations Manager
Macfadden & Associates
Silver Spring, MD
01.2007 - 02.2008
- Served as an intermediary for resolving employee and supervisor concerns.
- Scheduled and monitored anti-harassment training completion for all agency employees and contractors.
- Managed 401(k) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) administration.
- Conducted benefit open enrollment fairs.
- Processed health, life, and disability insurance benefits.
- Conducted new hire orientation and exit interviews.
- Initiated and collected performance evaluations.
- Monitored tuition reimbursement requests and eligibility.
- Conducted employment verifications.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus
12-2025
Skills
- Decision making
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Suite
- Relationship building
- Problem-Solving
- Federal Acquisition Regulations
- Code of Federal Regulations
Certification
- FAC-C Certified
- Personal Service Contracting (PSC)
- Procurement Integrity
- Managing Procurements
- Fixed Price Contracting
- USAID's Online Records Management
- Arts and Mechanics of OFDA Grant Making
- Clear Writing Through Critical Thinking
- Business Writing
- Critical Conversations
Citizenship
US Citizenship
Clearance Level
Secret. Granted 2008
Timeline
Quality Assurance Team Lead
USAID/BHA
01.2022 - Current
Senior Program Operations Specialist
USAID/BHA
06.2021 - 01.2022
Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
XLA/USAID/GH
03.2014 - 06.2016
Contract Specialist
XLA/USAID/OFDA
04.2011 - 03.2014
Facilities & Operations Manager
Macfadden & Associates/USAID/OFDA
01.2010 - 04.2011
Human Resource Manager
Macfadden & Associates
02.2008 - 01.2010
Employee Relations Manager
Macfadden & Associates
01.2007 - 02.2008
- FAC-C Certified
- Personal Service Contracting (PSC)
- Procurement Integrity
- Managing Procurements
- Fixed Price Contracting
- USAID's Online Records Management
- Arts and Mechanics of OFDA Grant Making
- Clear Writing Through Critical Thinking
- Business Writing
- Critical Conversations
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
University of Maryland Global Campus
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