FATOUMATA BINTA CAMARA
Clarksburg
Summary
Dynamic Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist with over 22 years of progressive leadership in U.S. government procurement and international development. Expertise in managing multimillion-dollar portfolios while navigating complex regulatory environments to ensure compliance with U.S. federal acquisition regulations (FAR/ADS). Recognized for strategic advising, capacity building, and high-stakes negotiations that enhance program delivery across health, education, governance, and economic growth initiatives in Africa and the Middle East. Proven ability to build high-performing teams, foster cross-cultural collaboration, and deliver innovative procurement solutions that align with organizational objectives.
Knowledgeable Contract Specialist with solid foundation in specialized tasks and track record of delivering results through targeted initiatives. Proven ability to implement effective strategies that enhance operational efficiency and support team objectives. Demonstrated proficiency in problem-solving and project management.
Overview
27
27
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
12.2015 - 09.2024
- Directed procurement operations for a $330M+ portfolio across Health, Governance, and Economic Growth programs
- Advised Mission leadership on procurement strategy, shaping critical investment and compliance decisions.
- Mentored and trained a team of 6 procurement specialists, improving efficiency and regulatory adherence.
- Negotiated and awarded contracts that improved program outcomes and maximized U.S. Government resources.
- Strengthened cross-team collaboration, improving execution timelines for multi-sector initiatives.
Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
11.2012 - 12.2015
- Led procurement actions for the regional Health and Education portfolio valued over $250 million.
- Spearheaded negotiations for a $71 million flagship education project permitting a nationwide education reform in Ghana.
- Developed innovative procurement mechanisms to address challenges in project implementation and staffing shortages.
Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
12.2008 - 11.2012
- Led negotiation and administration of multi-million-dollar contracts, grants and cooperative agreements advancing governance and economic growth programs.
- Negotiated a $140M Iraq Government Strengthening Program and a $70M Financial Sector Development Program, driving institutional reform in Iraq.
- Provided training and mentorship to junior Contracting Specialists, enhancing USAID Iraq’s internal acquisition team capabilities.
Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
08.2002 - 11.2008
- Provided procurement guidance to USAID/Guinea and Sierra Leone personnel, enhancing understanding of USAID regulations.
- Prepared pre-solicitation documents and solicitation documents, including Requests for Proposal (RFP) and Requests for Application (RFA).
- Negotiated various acquisition instruments, ensuring compliance and efficiency in procurement processes.
- Led closeout of 5 contracts and over 20 assistance agreements, recovering approximately $1.6 million for future programs.
- Conducted training sessions for technical personnel, fostering compliance and understanding of procurement practices.
Procurement Specialist
Friendship Computer Netdata (FCN)
01.1998 - 01.2002
- Supported U.S. Federal Government clients (DOS, NIH, FDA) as part of FCN’s federal contracting portfolio, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and delivering high-quality acquisition support.
- Received and fulfilled orders from federal agencies through GWAC and GSA procurement mechanisms.
- Managed the full procurement cycle by receiving orders from federal clients through GWAC and/or GSA procurement mechanisms.
- Prepared RFQs for IT suppliers, conducted cost and pricing analyses of supplier proposals for price reasonableness, leading to competitive negotiations and cost-effective procurement.
- Analyzed quotations for best value, prepared and placed purchase orders, and ensured timely delivery to the client in compliance with contract terms and conditions.
- Supported FCN top management in developing and executing Developed procurement strategies that improved supplier performance and reduced acquisition cycle times.
- Trained and mentored one procurement agent, enhancing operational efficiency and procurement management capacity.
Education
Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.B.A.) -
Strayer University
Washington, DCBachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) - undefined
Strayer University
Washington, DCSkills
- Innovative thinking
- Achievement-focused
- Consistently dependable
- Commitment to quality work
- Commitment to excellence
- Effective cross-cultural communication
Certification
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C).
Languages
English
French
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Federal Contract and Grant Administration (FAR, ADS, AIDAR, CFR 200)
- Compliance with U.S Federal Regulations
- Contract & Grant Negotiation
- Cost and Price Analysis
- Strategic Procurement Planning
- Training & Mentorship
HIGHLIGHT OF QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with people at all management levels.
- An independent and self-motivated professional capable of working calmly, tactfully, and effectively under pressure and handling multiple tasks with rapidly shifting priorities.
Awards
Awarded multiple Meritorious Honor Awards for leadership in high-value negotiations ($40M – $140M programs)., Recipient of Eagle Award for dedication and persistence in completing USAID’s Public Financial Management Risk Assessment Framework., Recognized for outstanding procurement leadership in Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Iraq, Guinea and Sierra Leone.
Timeline
Senior Acquisition & Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
12.2015 - 09.2024
Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
11.2012 - 12.2015
Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
12.2008 - 11.2012
Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist
United States Agency for International Development (USAID)
08.2002 - 11.2008
Procurement Specialist
Friendship Computer Netdata (FCN)
01.1998 - 01.2002
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) - undefined
Strayer University
Master of Science in Business Administration (M.S.B.A.) -
Strayer University
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