Connie Faulkner

Warrant Level is currently Level B $250K for Supplies / Service/Construction and A&E;

• Achieved FAC-C Professional
• FAC-COR Level II
• Peer Review and Contracting Officer for Non-warranted Specialists
• Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
• Reviewed subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, minimizing risk exposure.
• Reduced risk exposure through diligent monitoring and enforcement of contractual obligations.
• Managed full procurement cycle by planning, reviewing, soliciting, awarding, administering and closing out contract to achieve seamless transition at all levels of procurement.
• Conducted quality reviews and monitored contract performance.
• Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
• Achieved cost savings by identifying areas for improvement and negotiating more favorable terms with suppliers.
• Implemented robust tracking systems to monitor ongoing contract performance, enabling proactive identification of potential issues.
• Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
• Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
• Provided expert guidance on complex contracting issues to support informed decision-making across the organization.
• Strengthened internal controls by developing and implementing contract management policies, procedures, and templates.
• Managed high-value contracts portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during disputes resolutions sessions.
• Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive contract strategies that met business objectives.
• Championed change management efforts following major contract revisions, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing disruption to business operations.
• Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele even in high-stress environments.
• Increased operational efficiency through regular audits of existing contracts, identifying opportunities for renegotiation or termination when necessary.
• Mitigated legal risks by conducting thorough reviews of contractual agreements before finalizing negotiations.
• Liaised with outside organizations and financial management analysts to negotiate contract details.
• Closely monitored and evaluated contract performance to determine regulatory compliance and necessary amendments.
• Streamlined vendor selection process resulting in efficient procurement of goods and services.
• Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies and prepared contracts for approval.
• Created and finalized contracts for [Produce or Service] deals with customers.
• Enhanced contract negotiation processes by streamlining documentation and communication procedures.
• Assisted contract and legal professionals to address contract issues and developments.
• Collaborated closely with legal counsel during sensitive negotiations to protect organizational interests effectively.
• Negotiated with bidders to achieve fair, reasonable, and positive outcomes.
• Managed bidding process and award of purchases and delivery orders for construction contracts.
• Stored and filed contract documents in orderly, organized systems.
• Addressed contract disputes and provided advice and guidance to resolve issues.
• Monitored incoming contracts and service agreements for correct pricing and information.
• Streamlined operations by developing and implementing improved contract management processes.
• Adhered to legal and contractual requirements for compliant contract processes.
• Drafted, reviewed and revised contracts for accuracy and completeness.
• Developed training materials to unify contract management processes and procedures.
• Tracked contract milestones and updated stakeholders to facilitate project progress.
• Facilitated communication between involved parties to enable timely contract sign-off.
• Negotiated and reviewed contracts to protect customer interests.
• Prepared and issued reports on contract performance and compliance.
• Assessed risks inherent in contract changes and potential impacts, informing management in detail of concerns to avoid liabilities.
• Created solicitation packages and conducted thorough research for each bid.
• Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing and finalized contracts.
• Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
• Developed and implemented strategies to reduce operational costs.
• Searched for hard-to-find items and found high-quality, reliable vendors.
• Accepted and processed supply requests from staff, and placed orders per procedures.
• Collaborated with internal departments to identify and manage demand for material and services.
• Identified and resolved supply chain issues to mitigate delays and production disruptions.
• Maintained documentation for all purchases.

Warrant Level is currently Level B $250K for Supplies / Service/Construction and A&E; Achieved FAC-C Professional

• Achieved FAC-C Professional
• FAC-COR Level II
• Currently in FY 2024 I have awarded 67 actions totaling $697,319.95
• Reviewed and signed for other contract specialists an additional 58 actions totaling $2,865,679.08
• In FY 2023 in the Plains area, I awarded 165 actions (the most in the Plains Area) totaling $4,235,581.81
• Reviewed and signed for other contract specialists an additional 138 actions totaling $3,497,216.45
• Processed ULO’s for Mid-West Area totaling 44 actions for a deobligation of $198,110.91
• Reviewer and CO for 3 contract specialists within the Plains Area
• Training / mentoring a new contract specialist
• Prepares all solicitations / contracts in accordance with the FAR and REE manual
• Ensuring all contractors are registered in the proper systems
• Creates solicitations, RFQ, RFP, conducts market research, evaluates quotes, and issues timely awards
• Responsible for the following contract types; service and supply contracts, commercial acquisitions, negotiated procurements, Federal Supply Schedule buys, simplified acquisitions, constructions contracts, and architect and engineering (A-E) contracts, IDIQ, and BPA’s
• Utilizing firm fixed, negotiation, time and material or any other deemed appropriate route for the action
• Handles and conducts pre and post award conferences
• Handles negotiations on all contracts
• Review purchase agents’ solicitations and contracts within my warrant and provide valuable feedback as needed and or approve once the action is in accordance with the FAR
• Mentors and assists purchase agent(s) with issues, tasks, and training
• Uses automated systems to input records, track, maintain and issue awards
• Maintains files on all contracts
• Handles all protests, challenges, and legal issues within the contract
• Works closely with our Area Office, HQ, and other offices to assist, as well as ensure policies / procedures are followed in a timely manner and accurately
• Tracking contract status to ensure contracts are properly monitored and paid to the contracting using IPP and PRISM
• Follow contracts cradle to grave
• Works on training tools for team
• Works with Area Locations to assist in contract needs and serve as a liaison between the Area contracting office and the locations
• Working the Area’s De-obligation of ULO funds
• Warranted purchase card holder for radioactive and other required purchases for the Area
• Assisting other locations in contract work and ULO’s
• On the P4 initiation team
• All other duties as assigned
• Supervisor: Joshua Keadle, Plains Area Section Head, (970) 217-5999
• Managed full procurement cycle by planning, reviewing, soliciting, awarding, administering and closing out contract to achieve seamless transition at all levels of procurement.
• Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
• Conducted quality reviews and monitored contract performance.
• Achieved cost savings by identifying areas for improvement and negotiating more favorable terms with suppliers.
• Implemented robust tracking systems to monitor ongoing contract performance, enabling proactive identification of potential issues.
• Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
• Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
• Strengthened internal controls by developing and implementing contract management policies, procedures, and templates.
• Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during disputes resolutions sessions.
• Provided expert guidance on complex contracting issues to support informed decision-making across the organization.
• Managed high-value contracts portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
• Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive contract strategies that met business objectives.
• Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele even in high-stress environments.
• Mitigated legal risks by conducting thorough reviews of contractual agreements before finalizing negotiations.
• Liaised with outside organizations and financial management analysts to negotiate contract details.
• Closely monitored and evaluated contract performance to determine regulatory compliance and necessary amendments.
• Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies and prepared contracts for approval.
• Streamlined vendor selection process resulting in efficient procurement of goods and services.
• Examined records and business information for investment advisors to confirm adherence to government regulations.
• Reduced risk exposure through diligent monitoring and enforcement of contractual obligations.
• Reviewed subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, minimizing risk exposure.
• Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.

• Warrant Level is currently FAC-C Level I $150K for Supplies / Service; 1M for delivery / task orders and construction up to $150K
• Working on qualifications for FAC-C Level II
• Issued more than 898 actions / contracts for purchases totaling more than $18K, since 2012 as well CO several contracts for location purchase agents
• Prepares all contracts in accordance with the FAR
• Ensure contractors are registered in proper systems
• Creates solicitations, RFQ, RFP, conducts market research, evaluates quotes, and issues timely awards
• Responsible for the following contract types; service and supply contracts, commercial acquisitions, negotiated procurements, Federal Supply Schedule buys, simplified acquisitions, constructions contracts, and architect and engineering (A-E) contracts, IDIQ, and BPA’s
• Utilizing firm fixed, negotiation, time and material or any other deemed appropriate route for the action
• Review purchase agents’ solicitations and contracts within my warrant and provide valuable feedback as needed and or approve once the action is in accordance with the FAR
• Mentors and assists purchase agent(s) with issues, tasks, and training
• Uses automated systems to input records, track, maintain and issue awards
• Maintains files on all contracts
• Handles all protests, challenges, and legal issues within the contract
• Works closely with our Area Office, HQ, and other offices to assist, as well as ensure policies / procedures are followed in a timely manner and accurately
• Works with Area Locations to assist in contract needs and serve as a liaison between the Area contracting office and the locations
• Working the Area’s De-obligation of ULO funds
• All other duties as assigned
• Supervisor: Joshua Keadle, Plains Area Section Head, (970) 217-5999

• Warrant Level is currently FAC-C Level I $150K for Supplies / Service; 1M for delivery / task orders and construction up to $150K
• Working on qualifications for FAC-C Level II
• Issued more than 898 actions / contracts for purchases totaling $17,082,941.73 since 2012 as well CO approved several contracts for location purchase agents
• Prepares all contracts in accordance with the FAR
• Ensure contractors are registered in proper systems
• Creates solicitations, RFQ, RFP, conducts market research, evaluates quotes, and issues timely awards
• Responsible for the following contract types; service and supply contracts, commercial acquisitions, negotiated procurements, Federal Supply Schedule buys, simplified acquisitions, constructions contracts, and architect and engineering (A-E) contracts, IDIQ and BPA’s
• Utilizing firm fixed, negotiation, time and material or any other deemed appropriate route for the action
• Uses automated systems to input records, track, maintain and issue awards
• Maintains files on all contracts
• Handles all protests, challenges, and legal issues within the contract
• Works closely with our Area Office, HQ, and other offices to assist, as well as ensure policies / procedures are followed in a timely manner and accurately
• Works with Area Locations to assist in contract needs and serve as a liaison between the Area contracting office and the locations
• Works with new purchase agents in a mentor capacity to assist in training
• Review purchase agents’ solicitations and contracts within my warrant and provide valuable feedback as needed and or approve once the action is in accordance with the FAR
• Working the Area’s De-obligation of ULO funds
• All other duties as assigned
• Supervisor: Joshua Keadle, Plains Area Section Head, (970) 217-5999

• Provided direct administrative support to 10 scientists, located in three different buildings, 19 scientific support staff, 11 students in the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), and various visitors working under an agreement(s) with the USDA or from a foreign country that conduct research for the USDA-ARS
• Assisted unit with procurement rules; preparation, processing, and monitoring of AD-700’s; purchases and tracks all micro purchases for the unit
• Helps prepare quotes, bids for purchases over micro limit
• Processed all documents for Revocable Permits for the Unit as well as the entire Center
• Managed Unit funding (including grants, specific cooperative agreements, research support agreements, appropriated funds, and trusts) by ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and submitted to the proper agency within a timely manner, tracking budgets, and keeping up to date with all processes, procedures, and policies
• With budget management totaling $3M +
• Served as timekeeper, maintaining bi-weekly time and attendance for the Unit employees
• Annual Resource Management Planning (ARMPs) – analyzing costs and spending from prior years to establish accurate budget proposal for the next fiscal year
• Processed and handled all HR requests, issues, and answered questions related to benefits, rules, obligation, and responsibilities
• Including but not limited to, performance plans, health benefits, sick and annual leave, awards, promotions etc
• Miscellaneous tasks - Performance plan(s), foreign national paperwork, travel arrangements and voucher processing, publication assistance, as well as human resource issues
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
• Type 52-55 wpm as well as a 10-key speed of 98.5+ ksm
• This position has also fine-tuned my communication skills, both oral and written
• Supervisor: Dr
• Michael Edwards, Research Leader (701) 239-1341

• Prepared purchases that were over micro limit for procurement by Area Office (AD-700, justifications, sole source requirements, E-buy, Fed Biz Ops)
• Checked CCR and ORCA to ensure contracts were registered
• Created solicitations, posted for quotes, conducted market research; worked contract up to award
• Managed and reported on all credit card users (63 card users) for the location
• Helped all users reconcile transactions, ensured accurate accounting codes, and BOC codes were used
• Prepared LAPC quarterly reports accurately and ensured all purchasing rules and guidelines were met
• Handled and processed all property (current and excess) related items: CPAIS report, individual inventory, and center inventory; ensured that all property over $5K and sensitive items are reported in inventory, prepared all AD-107 and AD-112
• Prepared and processed all revocable permit(s) for foreign visitors; ensures all immigration documents are in order
• Handled all fleet issues, fleet credit cards, monitors repairs, mileage, and fuel consumption, handles all reports due on fleet use, monthly / quarterly reports, purchased new fleet, maintained titles, and accident reports
• Handled all micro-purchase requests for center supplies, center director, supply room(s)and assists all Center members with policies and procedures to ensure compliance
• Maintained files on all contracts, construction projects, and the Center’s micro – purchases for supplies and services
• Worked with thousands of contractors and contractors to ensure all Center needs were met
• Worked closely with our Area Office, HQ, and other offices to assist, as well as ensure policies / procedures are followed in a timely manner and accurately
• Obtained my first warrant during this time; $250K
• Issued US Federal ID badge through Homeland Security
• Assisted the Administrative Officer with any additional duties as assigned
• Supervisor: John Johnson, Administrative Officer 701-239-1203

• Provided direct administrative support to 10 scientists, located in three different buildings, 19 scientific support staff, 11 students in the Student Temporary Employment Program (STEP), and various visitors working under an agreement(s) with the USDA or from a foreign country that conduct research for the USDA-ARS
• Assisted unit with procurement rules; preparation, processing, and monitoring of AD-700’s; purchases and tracks all micro purchases for the unit
• Helps prepare quotes, bids for purchases over micro limit
• Managed Unit funding (including grants, specific cooperative agreements, research support agreements, appropriated funds, and trusts) by ensuring that all paperwork is accurate and submitted to the proper agency within a timely manner, tracking budgets, and keeping up to date with all processes, procedures, and policies
• Served as timekeeper, maintaining bi-weekly time and attendance for the Unit employees
• Annual Resource Management Planning (ARMPs) – analyzing costs and spending from prior years to establish accurate budget proposal for the next fiscal year
• Miscellaneous tasks - Performance plan(s), foreign national paperwork, travel arrangements and voucher processing, publication assistance, as well as human resource issues
• Supervisor: Dr
• Michael Edwards, Research Leader (701) 239-1341

• Monitored all Management Units to ensure proper spending without exceeding or under spending the budget that was established
• Reconciled the Center’s obligations and salaries using various systems while working with the National Finance Center to ensure proper payment of utilities and salaries
• Worked with the Administrative Officer to establish Center budgets
• Worked with lab personnel to purchase supplies and equipment that were under the micro-purchase limit while ensuring all guidelines and regulations were met, utilized CATS to accurately account for obligations while reconciling and monitoring changes
• Also worked with outside contractors through any purchasing issues that arose
• Served as a back-up to the purchase agent, assisted in bids and quotes, and handled micro-purchases for the center
• Tracked all travel authorizations and vouchers to ensure regulations were met and recorded travel for budgeting accuracy
• Supervisor: Susan Sorum, Administrative Officer (701) 795-8358

• Responsible for maintaining an accurate balance for several thousand different account types that were actively traded on the New York Stock Exchange
• Utilized numerous computer systems to properly maintain client accounts
• Communication and attention to detail were imperative to completing the mission of the firm, as well as having a great foundation in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook as well as Document Direct
• Supervisor: Tracie Hughes (727) 567-4718

• Processed and audited thousands of travel vouchers, purchase orders, and travel orders for civilian and military needs
• Responsible for auditing and training several fellow airmen and squadrons on proper procedures
• Assigned to the Accounting and Liaison Office and was placed in charge of budgeting, orders, and purchasing for several large squadrons
• Tasked with maintaining and reconciling the Fed Ex and UPS 616’s (spending log) for the entire base, which included ensuring an accurate balance and reducing erroneous spending
• Worked as LAPC for the base and credit card purchase program to ensure all charges were valid and authorized; ensured all cards were balanced with squadron’s records