La Shaun Thompson
Bryans Road
Summary
Highly accomplished contracting and program management professional with 20 years of federal government experience, specializing in procurement, compliance, acquisition strategy, and small business coordination. Holds a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) and a proven track record in contract negotiations, policy enforcement, and program oversight within federal and private sector environments. Adept at streamlining procurement processes, ensuring regulatory compliance, and driving operational efficiency through risk management and strategic leadership.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contract Specialist - GS 1102/13
U.S. Department of Agriculture
10.2022 - Current
- Manage cradle-to-grave contracting functions including acquisition planning, solicitation, evaluation, negotiation, award, administration, and closeout for complex procurements.
- Lead termination activities, including terminations for convenience and default; analyze, negotiate, and settle contractor claims and proposals.
- Serve as Agency Lead for Integrated Acquisition System (IAS), Invoice Processing Platform (IPP), and CPARS.
- Develop acquisition strategies, draft statements of work, and ensure adherence to FAR, USDA policy, and procurement integrity.
- Conduct price/cost analysis, evaluate contractor proposals, and ensure fiscal responsibility throughout the acquisition lifecycle.
- Administer contracts by monitoring performance, resolving disputes, and executing modifications.
- Oversee and train staff on small business participation and compliance, conduct monthly capability briefings.
- manage the GPC (Government Purchase Card) Program within the Food and Nutrition Service, ensuring compliance, oversight, and operational efficiency.
- Liaise with Purchase Card Service Center (PCSC) personnel, ensure timely reporting and issue resolution, and manage user permissions.
Program Analyst/ FAC COR II– GS 0343/12
National Institutes of Health
11.2017 - 10.2022
- Conduct comprehensive analyses to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity of clinical research and grants management programs within NICHD.
- Develop and implement key performance metrics to evaluate the success of initiatives within the Division of Extramural Research.
- Enhance program effectiveness by designing and optimizing processes and systems related to clinical research, pain management, human subjects protection, and grants administration.
- Develop and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), workflows, and policy documentation for clinical trials management.
- Provide expert training on new systems, policies, and regulatory procedures to enhance compliance and operational efficiency.
- Serve as FAC-COR II, ensuring effective contract management and compliance with federal acquisition regulations.
- Maintain a comprehensive understanding of Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Health and Human Services Acquisition Regulation (HHSAR), and other governing policies to ensure adherence in procurement activities.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates based on approved project plans and specifications, monitoring expenditures throughout the project lifecycle.
- Foster effective communication and collaboration across teams, facilitating a positive work environment that encourages knowledge-sharing and process improvements.
Program Specialist – GS 0301/12
National Institutes of Health
03.2013 - 11.2017
- Administrative Policy & Compliance: Served as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on administrative policies and procedures, improving operational efficiency and streamlining request processing
- Contract & Program Analysis: Provided analytical support to assess contract effectiveness, logistics, and data management, identifying areas for improvement
- Personnel Actions & Documentation: Managed SF-52 processing, verified data accuracy, and maintained personnel records in compliance with agency regulations
- Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): Developed and maintained SOPs for administrative functions, including travel, finance, and personnel operations
- Budget & Financial Oversight: Modified and expanded Excel spreadsheets to support budget tracking and program management needs
- Contract Administration: Managed contract award and modification distribution, prepared supporting documents, and implemented an invoice processing workflow to ensure timely payments
- Purchase Card Program Management: Served as Purchase Card Coordinator, overseeing cardholder expenditures, account management, and credit limit adjustments in alignment with NIH/OA policies
- Incentive Program Coordination: Administered the Informal Incentive Award Program, purchasing, tracking and distributing over 850 gift card awards across multiple fiscal years
- Supply & Property Management: Oversaw procurement for DEA and managed telework equipment as property custodian
- Reporting & Correspondence: Generated reports and correspondence related to personnel, security, and organizational issues, ensuring compliance and data integrity
- Team Leadership & Support: Directed and led Procurement Technicians and OA support staff, assigning tasks and providing guidance to optimize acquisition operations
Management and Program Assistant – GS 0343/7
US Fish and Wildlife Service
08.2011 - 03.2013
- Travel Program Oversight: Reviewed, analyzed, and processed foreign, domestic, and invitational travel requests, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and completeness
- Regulatory Compliance & Policy Guidance: Maintained expertise in U.S. State Department regulations, Federal Travel Regulations, and Department of Interior policies, advising staff on updates and best practices
- Documentation & Systems Management: Managed travel data using the Data Tracking System (DTS) and Foreign Travel Database, overseeing the processing of travel packages, cables, and clearance forms
- Stakeholder Coordination & Liaison: Served as the primary liaison with executive offices, federal agencies, embassies, and travel coordinators, resolving travel-related issues and ensuring compliance
- Training & Guidance: Provided training and procedural oversight to staff, Service Travel Coordinators, and regional personnel on foreign travel policies, passport processes, and system usage
- Financial Oversight & Travel Card Management: Processed and reconciled travel card transactions and expenditures in the Financial Business Management System (FBMS), ensuring appropriate fund distribution and compliance
- Data Analysis & Reporting: Developed standard operating procedures (SOPs), workflows, and performance reports, analyzing travel program effectiveness and recommending improvements
- Process Improvement & Policy Development: Evaluated travel policies and procedures, implementing best practices to enhance efficiency and compliance
- Electronic Travel System Management: Provided guidance, troubleshooting, and training on travel system functionalities for effective implementation
Education
MBA - Business Administration
University of Maryland- University College
Adelphi, MD12-2023
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Information Systems Management
University of Maryland- University College
Adelphi, MD12-2021
Skills
- Quality assurance
- Contract proposals
- Research and analysis
- Legal compliance
- Contracting policies and regulations
- Contract administration
- Acquisitions
- Database administration
Certification
- FAC Contracting Officer Representative (COR) Level II
- Security + ce
Awards
- USDA FNS Performance Award 08/2024
- USDA FNS Performance Award 08/2023
- USDA FNS Award 04/2023
Timeline
Contract Specialist - GS 1102/13
U.S. Department of Agriculture
10.2022 - Current
Program Analyst/ FAC COR II– GS 0343/12
National Institutes of Health
11.2017 - 10.2022
Program Specialist – GS 0301/12
National Institutes of Health
03.2013 - 11.2017
Management and Program Assistant – GS 0343/7
US Fish and Wildlife Service
08.2011 - 03.2013
MBA - Business Administration
University of Maryland- University College
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration, Information Systems Management
University of Maryland- University College
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