Darnesha Kennedy
Woodbridge,VA
Summary
Strategic and results-driven federal acquisition professional with over 9 years of progressive experience in cradle-to-grave contracting, procurement strategy, and acquisition leadership. Proven success managing complex, high-value contracts across multiple federal agencies. Expertise in construction, MRO, facilities, and mission support services. Known for driving acquisition innovation, providing expert guidance, and leading high-impact initiatives in alignment with agency goals.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contract Specialist (GS-14)
Internal Revenue Service, Chief Procurement Office
10.2023 - Current
- Leads cradle-to-grave contracting on multimillion-dollar commercial acquisitions; managed various commodities to include services, construction, and information technology.
- Conducts strategic market research, solicitation, and negotiations.
- Ensures timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
- Appointed as Level IV Warranted Contracting Officer.
Procurement Analyst (GS-13)
HQDA, Office of the Chief of Staff
09.2021 - 10.2023
- Oversaw $168M annual acquisition portfolio for HQDA G-3/5/7 Resource Management Directorate.
- Authored FY22 Acquisition Planning Guidance and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs); managed contractor performance and (Contractor Performance Assessment Reporting System) CPARS compliance.
- Performed Quality Assurance for upcoming acquisition packages and coordinated contract package review with the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff (ADCS) for the approval of contract actions.
- Initiated effort to enhance workforce reporting accuracy.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams and provided technical solutions to develop procurement strategies aligned with internal goals.
Contracting Officer (GS-12)
Defense Logistics Agency – Troop Support
01.2017 - 01.2021
- Managed Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) contracts totaling over $350M across multiple global regions.
- Served as Source Selection Team Lead for $900M + requirement.
- Trained GS-12+ personnel; authored Technical Evaluation Reports and Justifications for bridge contracts.
- Selected for FY21 DLA Enterprise Rotation Program with DLA Energy.
Contract Specialist (GS-4 to GS-11)
DLA – Troop Support
01.2016 - 01.2017
- Supported CENTCOM MRO multi-award contracts; conducted RFQs, price evaluations, and contractor relations.
- Primary buyer for FY17 Eager Lion Joint Training Project.
- Frequently recognized for high performance and customer engagement.
Contact Representative (GS-5 to GS-8)
Internal Revenue Service
01.2011 - 01.2016
- Supported taxpayers with identity theft, audits, and complex account resolution.
- Reviewed and managed specialized and high-priority caseloads to include Taxpayer Advocate cases involved with Integrity Verification, Examination, and Operations Assistance Requests.
- Detailed to Disaster Assistance Call Center in partnership with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Education
MBA - Strategic Thinking & Innovation
Brenau University
Gainesville, GA01.2020
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Champlain College
Burlington01.2016
BBA - Finance (Insurance & Risk Management)
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA01.2011
Skills
- Quality assurance
- Research and analysis
- Contract proposals
- Risk mitigation
- Contract performance management
- Legal compliance
Certification
- Level IV Contracting Officer (Unlimited), IRS – Jan 2025
- FAC-C Professional | DAWIA II Certified | PaCE Graduate
- Trusted Business Advisor (2025) | CFCM Bootcamp (2024)
- Services Acquisition Credential (2022)
Affiliations
- VP, Public Relations – Toastmasters (Pentagon Legacy Club), 2021–Present
- FY21 DLA Enterprise Rotation Program Participant
Timeline
Senior Contract Specialist (GS-14)
Internal Revenue Service, Chief Procurement Office
10.2023 - Current
Procurement Analyst (GS-13)
HQDA, Office of the Chief of Staff
09.2021 - 10.2023
Contracting Officer (GS-12)
Defense Logistics Agency – Troop Support
01.2017 - 01.2021
Contract Specialist (GS-4 to GS-11)
DLA – Troop Support
01.2016 - 01.2017
Contact Representative (GS-5 to GS-8)
Internal Revenue Service
01.2011 - 01.2016
MBA - Strategic Thinking & Innovation
Brenau University
Bachelor of Science - Accounting
Champlain College
BBA - Finance (Insurance & Risk Management)
Georgia Southern University
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