Excel
Karen E. Miedema
Langston,AL
Summary
Dynamic Software Technical Lead with extensive experience at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, excelling in cost estimation and project management. Proven track record in enhancing software applications and training teams, showcasing strong problem-solving abilities and effective communication skills. Successfully managed budgets and improved processes, driving significant project efficiencies.
Overview
35
35
years of professional experience
3
3
Certification
Work History
Software Technical Lead
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
Huntsville, AL
02.2012 - Current
- Managed cost engineering requirements for Tri-Service Automated Cost Engineering Systems (TRACES).
- Evaluated and enhanced MCACES, MII, PACES, and TRACES Enterprise Portal applications based on user needs.
- Trained and mentored employees in contract administration, project management, automated systems, and cost engineering principles.
- Led critical decisions on contracts for maintaining technical cost data within Cost Book and MII & PACES applications.
- Coordinated TRACES team to provide helpdesk support to users to include guidance on cost engineering policies and software procedures.
- Implemented standard software distribution policies for both A/Es and non-DOD agencies.
- Coordinated and participated in Tri-Service Cost Engineering Steering Committee meeting to discuss TRACES process improvements and future opportunities.
Program Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
Huntsville, AL
07.2010 - 02.2012
- Managed TRACES budget for Army, Navy, Air Force, and DHA, by preparing funding and execution budget spreadsheets and reports per HQUSACE requirements and to align with strategic plans.
- Weighed technical needs against financial risks within TRACES software suite development plans to enhance forward progress.
- Analyzed and updated TRACES Project Management Plan to meet operational and mission requirements.
- Trained new employees in contract administration, project management, and cost engineering principles and that they are part of the team on day one.
- Presented at Tri-Service Cost Engineering Steering Committee Meetings on various cost engineering topics.
- Maintained contract status spreadsheet to effectively manage project workload for program objectives.
Software Quality Assurance SME
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
Huntsville, AL
10.2001 - 07.2010
- Served as a technical subject matter expert for Tri-Service Automated Cost Engineering Systems initiatives, enhancing MCACES, PACES, and best cost engineering practices using BIM.
- Evaluated and advanced MCACES, Second Generation (MII), and PACES cost engineering applications through expert engineering knowledge.
- Developed and reviewed Performance Work Statements and Independent Government Estimates, leading negotiations with contractors prior to contract awards.
- Mentored technical working groups for Cost Book and PACES, analyzing reports and preparing detailed quality assurance comments to improve final products.
- Coordinated multiple Tri-Service Cost Engineering Workshop events, receiving high attendee ratings for valuable seminars on cost engineering software and standards.
- Presented at Tri-Service Cost Engineering Training Workshops on MII, PACES, CostBook, and BIM methodologies.
- Created Performance Work Statements for contract actions focused on developing training materials for PACES and MII classes.
- Reviewed contractor training documents as Technical Lead, ensuring alignment with Tri-Service Cost Engineering Community needs.
- Had contracting officer representative roles and was part of source selection boards for TRACES IDIQ contracts.
Construction Cost Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
Concord, MA
11.1994 - 10.2001
- Supported project managers in estimating costs for civil works, environmental, and military construction projects.
- Reviewed work plans and contracts to ensure development of accurate and reliable cost estimates utilizing TRACES Micro Computer Aided Cost Engineering Systems.
- Contributed to contract negotiations, achieving efficiency and significant savings.
- Served as an authoritative resource on MCACES, and cost engineering for peers and stakeholders.
- Guided development of automated systems data, recommending software improvements for cost estimates.
- Led multi-disciplinary teams in creating government estimates for complex, high-profile projects ranging from $50,000 to $5M.
- Conducted nationwide internet research on similar projects to gather lessons learned and historical insights.
- Participated in value engineering studies to identify optimal methods for maximizing project value.
Civil Engineer, Hydrology
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
Waltham, MA
12.1991 - 11.1994
- Applied hydraulic and hydrologic engineering principles to enhance water resource management studies.
- Inspected and analyzed flood control projects, preparing comprehensive reports on findings.
- Evaluated rainfall and streamflow data, focusing on unit hydrograph derivation and flood routing.
- Developed hydraulic and hydrologic computer models, and computed discharge, stage, and tidal frequency curves, and probable maximum floods.
- Prepared detailed evaluations and reports for section 208 and 22 studies.
- Coordinated inspection efforts of dams with multi-disciplinary teams for accurate reporting.
- Led quality assurance initiatives during Hurricane Andrew Recovery operations.
- Mentored junior engineers, fostering professional development and technical skills.
Civil Engineering Intern
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
New England, Waltham, MA
06.1990 - 12.1991
- Executed civil engineering assignments within advanced rotation program focusing on geotechnical and hydrologic analyses.
- Conducted stability analyses, reviewed specifications, and evaluated shop drawings across multiple projects.
- Performed fieldwork at Natick Lab and Fort Devens for construction oversight and compliance.
- Reviewed navigation channel plans and enforced regulatory standards during operations planning.
- Investigated dam flood operations and researched FERC licenses for project compliance.
- Contributed to Army Material Testing Lab BRAC project through data analysis and reporting.
- Prepared Inventory Project Reports for DERP in Real Estate Directorate assignments.
- Analyzed hydrology data, including spillway design and natural valley storage projects.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Civil Engineering
University of Lowell
Lowell, MA, United States06.1990
Skills
- Cost estimation and budget management
- Project management and software development
- Contract administration and data analysis
- Quality assurance and problem-solving
- Technical documentation, reporting, and training
- Multitasking and organization skills
- Professionalism and reliability
- Microsoft Office Suite proficiency
- Attention to detail and time management
- Team leadership and effective communication
- Process improvement and technical review
Certification
- Level III Facilities Engineering Acquisition Career Field Certification, 2018
- Certified Cost Consultant (CCC), 2000 - present
- Engineer in Training certificate, Massachusetts, 09/28/90
Organizations And Affiliations
- Tri-Service Cost Engineering Steering Committee, Previous Non-Voting Member
- Cost FAC/SME of BIM Sub, Previous Cost Chair
- Chi Epsilon National Honor Society, Marshall, 1989
- American Society of Civil Engineers Student Chapter, Secretary, 1988 and President, 1989
Accomplishments
- Cost Engineer of the Year Award, 2000 (Tri-service)
- Letter of Appreciation, Lieutenant General, USA, Commanding, 2009
- Department of Army, Commander's Award for Civilian Service, 2008
- Department of Army, Commander's Award for Civilian Service, 2003
- Vice Presidential "Hammer" Award for Charles George Superfund Project, 1999
Affiliations
- Civilian Welfare Fund Council, 1996-1997; chairperson 1998-1999
- Division Founder's Day Committee Member, 1996, 1994, 1992
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Software Technical Lead
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
02.2012 - Current
Program Manager
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
07.2010 - 02.2012
Software Quality Assurance SME
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
10.2001 - 07.2010
Construction Cost Engineer
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
11.1994 - 10.2001
Civil Engineer, Hydrology
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
12.1991 - 11.1994
Civil Engineering Intern
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, USACE
06.1990 - 12.1991
Bachelor's degree - Civil Engineering
University of Lowell
Work Preference
Work Type
Part TimeGig WorkWork Location
RemoteImportant To Me
Work-life balanceCompany CultureFlexible work hoursWork from home optionQuote
Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.
Theodore Roosevelt
Software
Word
PowerPoint
MCACES
PACES
MS Teams
Zoom
Outlook
Languages
English
Native language
Interests
Photography
Woodworking
Arts & Crafts
Camping
National Park Travel
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