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Jeffery Hairston
McCordsville,IN
Summary
Dynamic Senior Contracts Specialist with Department of Veterans Affairs, skilled in negotiation and contract management. Orchestrated management of $700M portfolio, implementing process improvements and realizing substantial cost savings. Acknowledged for leadership and meticulous attention to detail, elevating team performance and ensuring compliance in intricate acquisitions.
Overview
15
15
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contracts Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
Indianapolis, United States
05.2016 - Current
- Currently managing a $700M+ portfolio of medium to complex Construction/A&E Contracts and IDIQ Task Orders
- Designated Liaison between one of Indiana's three major VA medical centers and Contracting
- Warranted Contracting Officer responsible for awarding various contract actions for team of 13 personnel
- Routinely works with Legal team to ensure contracts and modifications are legally sound
- Conducts market research and performs price analysis on quotes, bids and proposals submitted in response to various solicitation types
- Works with multiple departments to identify areas of improvement in processes and identifies potential pitfalls before moving forward in acquisitions
- Collaborated closely with internal departments such as finance, procurement and legal teams during the contracting process.
- Reviewed, evaluated and negotiated contract terms to ensure compliance with company policies.
- Participated in dispute resolution proceedings when needed.
- Monitored and tracked contractual obligations to ensure timely execution of all contractual commitments.
- Ensured compliance with applicable laws, regulations and industry standards for contracting operations.
- Identified opportunities for process optimization within the contracting function.
- Coordinated efforts between multiple stakeholders including vendors, customers and internal teams throughout the duration of a project.
- Developed and implemented strategies for contract management processes to improve operational efficiency.
- Implemented effective controls over the entire lifecycle of the contract process.
- Assessed vendor capabilities in order to select the most suitable partners for specific projects.
- Conducted regular audits of existing contracts to identify areas of improvement or potential risks.
- Provided training on proper use of contracts to staff members as required.
- Negotiated pricing structures for goods or services according to customer needs and budgetary constraints.
- Sourced, qualified and conducted screening interviews with AE firms across the nation.
- Performed detailed due diligence reviews prior to entering into any contractual agreements.
- Prepared reports on contract performance, budgeting, cost analysis and risk assessment.
- Resolved complex disputes between vendors, customers and other stakeholders arising from contracts.
- Communicated regularly with external parties regarding contract status updates or changes.
- Drafted contractual documents in accordance with legal requirements and customer specifications.
- Maintained updated knowledge through continuing education and advanced training.
- Utilized various software and tools to streamline processes and optimize performance.
- Assisted with customer requests and answered questions to improve satisfaction.
- Promoted high customer satisfaction by resolving problems with knowledgeable and friendly service.
- Contributed innovative ideas and solutions to enhance team performance and outcomes.
- Worked with cross-functional teams to achieve goals.
- Updated and maintained databases with current information.
- Prioritized and organized tasks to efficiently accomplish service goals.
- Achieved cost-savings by developing functional solutions to problems.
- Provided excellent service and attention to customers when face-to-face or through phone conversations.
- Collaborated closely with team members to achieve project objectives and meet deadlines.
- Recognized by management for providing exceptional customer service.
GSA Procurement Specialist
University Loft Company
Greenfield, United States
11.2015 - 04.2016
- Oversaw management of all federal schedule contracts to ensure timely completion.
- Utilized expertise in blanket purchase agreements and IDIQ contracts for government procurement.
- Demonstrated proficiency in proposing, negotiating, modifying, and administering GSA and federal contracts.
- Coordinated bid preparation and submission efforts across multiple internal departments.
- Developed and maintained databases for comprehensive tracking of all contracts.
- Discussed defects and delivery problems with suppliers to negotiate refunds.
- Cultivated productive relationships with suppliers and maintained open communication.
- Tracked orders and confirmed system lead times, delivery dates and costs.
Contracts Specialist
United States Air Force
Barksdale AFB, United States
03.2010 - 11.2015
- Oversaw $80M portfolio of commodities, services, and construction contracts.
- Earned $500K warrant; one of seven military personnel authorized to obligate Government funds.
- Led award and management of $2M IDIQ contract, executing $500K in delivery orders.
- Drove competition for sole-source service requirement, achieving $600K in savings.
- Completed $1M in commodity contract closeouts, reducing backlog by 50% over three years.
- Inspected contract operations for compliance with plans and specifications.
- Monitored contractor performance to ensure adherence to contractual obligations.
- Conducted research and compiled solicitation packages for contracting officer.
- Prepared reports on contract status as requested by management.
- Inspected contract work operations to check compliance with plans and specifications.
- Analyzed data and prepared for compilation into reports to be distributed to other key stakeholders.
- Communicated effectively with all levels of personnel both internally and externally.
- Responded to regulatory documents and forms, driving compliance with state and federal requirements.
- Participated in meetings with stakeholders involved in the contracting process.
- Created and maintained contract databases to track all agreements.
- Researched applicable laws, regulations, and industry standards related to contract administration.
- Administered contract change requests and resolution.
- Monitored performance of contractors to ensure compliance with contractual obligations.
- Provided guidance on legal aspects of contracting processes such as dispute resolution procedures.
- Reviewed and monitored contracts for accuracy, completeness, and compliance with company policy.
- Processed payments due under contracts according to payment schedule requirements.
- Gathered contractor quotes for careful review to determine best options for government.
- Oversaw changes and coordinated change orders and contract reviews.
- Oversaw contract closeouts and addressed all issues prior to release of final payment.
Infrastructure Contracting Officer
United States Air Force
Ali Al Salem AFB, Kuwait
02.2015 - 09.2015
- Led 85 contracts/$42M in infrastructure supporting 4 US services and 4 coalition nations
- Held $1M warrant that enabled life and mission support to 4K troops in fight against ISIS in Iraq and Syria (Operation Inherent Resolve and Operation Freedom's Sentinel)
- Central Command and Host Nation office; coordinated administrative support for 20+ contractors with the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defense for contract performance on military installations
- 1 of 30 personnel selected for Operation Eagle Resolve to train 29 partner nations/5.5K personnel in air, land, and sea terrorist hostage response actions
- Provided training to enhance regional security, national defense, and consequence management
- Assessed risk associated with prospective contractors prior to awarding contracts.
- Collaborated with legal counsel when necessary to resolve disputes related to contracts.
- Provided technical advice regarding procurement activities to senior management staff members.
- Utilized document management system to organize Contracting unit files, keeping up-to-date and easily accessible data.
- Created reports summarizing key information related to procurement activities.
- Maintained accurate records of all procurements including purchase order numbers, contract awards.
- Drafted solicitations and requests for proposals in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Performed cost and price analysis to determine if proposed prices are fair and reasonable.
- Reviewed and evaluated contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
- Participated in meetings with contractors and vendors during pre-solicitation conferences.
- Monitored operations and reviewed records and metrics to understand vendor performance.
- Evaluated bids from multiple sources before making recommendations for award decisions.
- Managed post-award processes such as closeouts, extensions or renewals of existing contracts.
- Prepared documents such as contract modifications, change orders, delivery orders, task orders.
- Analyzed market research data to identify potential suppliers or vendors for services or products needed by the organization.
- Ensured that all contracts were compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
Education
Master of Science - Homeland Security
Trident University International
Cypress, CA10.2022
Bachelor of Science - Contract Management
Trident University International
Cypress, CA02.2020
Skills
- Self-motivation
- Leadership
- Project management
- Interpersonal communication
- Adaptability
- Multitasking
- Growth mindset
- Negotiation and contract management
- Market research
- Process improvement
- Customer service
- Attention to detail
- Performance management
- Problem-solving
- Organizational skills
- Documentation and recordkeeping
- Training and development
- Pricing analysis
- Continuous improvement
- Contract administration
Certification
- FAC-C Level II Certification, 12/01/22
- Level II $10,000,000 Warrant, 02/01/25, Obtained procurement authority to award, administer and terminate contract vehicles up to $10,000,000 to support Veterans Health Administration
References
References available upon request.
Accomplishments
Led 85 contracts/$42M in infrastructure supporting 4 US services and 4 coalition nations during my time as a deployed Contracting Officer in the Middle East
Drove competition for previously deemed sole-source service requirement, achieving $600K in savings across five years
Achieved $10M warrant by becoming proficient with the FAR and acing Contracting Officer Warrant Board
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Work Preference
Work Type
Full TimeWork Location
RemoteHybridImportant To Me
Career advancementWork-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursPersonal development programsWork from home optionPaid time offTeam Building / Company RetreatsPaid sick leaveQuote
“There is no better than adversity. Every defeat, every heartbreak, every loss, contains its own seed, its own lesson on how to improve your performance next time.”
Malcolm X
Software
Various Contract Writing Systems
Various Government Contracting and Finance Systems
Languages
English
Native language
Spanish
Beginner (A1)
A1
Interests
Education
Outdoor Activities
Technology
Gaming
Family Activities
Timeline
Senior Contracts Specialist
Department of Veterans Affairs
05.2016 - Current
GSA Procurement Specialist
University Loft Company
11.2015 - 04.2016
Infrastructure Contracting Officer
United States Air Force
02.2015 - 09.2015
Contracts Specialist
United States Air Force
03.2010 - 11.2015
Master of Science - Homeland Security
Trident University International
Bachelor of Science - Contract Management
Trident University International
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