Lori Smith

• Founder and CEO of a government contracting consultancy specializing in advising companies on winning and performing high-value government contracts.
• Delivers insider insights on positioning businesses for government contracts ranging from six-figures to multi-billion dollars.
• Develops and implements strategic plans for pursuing government contracts in the multi-million to multi-billion dollar range.
• Provides expertise in identifying and advising on various government contracting problems.
• Guides businesses on building healthy, long-term government/business relationships.

Expertise, Competencies, and Patterns of Excellence:

• Logistical Management: Demonstrated expertise in managing complex logistical operations and supply chain processes, ensuring timely and accurate processing of supplies and equipment.
  
• Contracting Leadership: Extensive experience as a contracting officer, overseeing a wide range of contracts, from small purchases to multi-billion-dollar acquisitions.
  
• Fiscal Oversight and Resource Management: Proven track record in optimizing financial resources and managing contracts with values ranging from millions to billions of dollars.
  
• Strategic Planning and Execution: Known for developing and implementing comprehensive strategic plans that drive success and achieve long-term objectives in procurement and contracting.
  
• Problem-Solving and Innovation: Recognized for addressing challenges with innovative solutions and developing procedures to improve efficiency and project quality.
  
• Client Relationship Management: Skilled in building strong client relationships and providing world-class support to internal and external customers.
  
• Mentorship and Team Development: Commended for fostering a culture of mentorship and developing talent within teams, resulting in increased workforce capabilities and academic achievements.
  
• Performance Assessment and Quality Improvement: Proficient in conducting performance assessments, identifying negative trends, and implementing proactive measures to enhance mission readiness.
  
• Community Engagement and Goodwill: Actively involved in community outreach programs, demonstrating a strong commitment to giving back and supporting various causes.
  
• Strategic Decision-Making and Negotiation: Adept at making strategic decisions in contract negotiations and contract administration, ensuring compliance and meeting organizational objectives.
  
• Crisis Management and Mission Support: Proven ability to excel under pressure and provide support during crisis situations, contributing to successful disaster response and recovery efforts.

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Lead Facilitator for the Career Gateway: Acquisition Contracting program, a pioneering professional development initiative focused on competency-based, experiential learning, designed to enhance mission-focused solution development among new contracting professionals.

• Directed multiple cohorts simultaneously through a gamified and experiential learning process across all phases of the acquisition lifecycle, significantly improving the practical application of contracting principles in real-world scenarios.
• Achieved a 100% pass rate for the FAC-C Professional comprehensive exam, underscoring the effectiveness of the program's innovative teaching methodologies, and my facilitation skills.
• Co-authored three key modules during Phase 2 of the program, applying my deep expertise as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to create content that bridges technical accuracy with engaging, interactive learning experiences.
• Contributed as a SME to the development of diverse program materials, including web-based learning events, and interactive simulations, enhancing participant engagement and learning outcomes.
• Implemented strategic coaching techniques and continuous feedback mechanisms that fostered critical thinking and problem-solving skills, allowing participants to explore and understand the complexities of contracting principles deeply.
• Led the recruitment and training of new facilitators to expand program reach and maintain the high standards of the training process.

• Educational leadership: Proven ability to lead, motivate, and guide large groups through complex learning activities, with a focus on achieving high outcomes in professional certification.
• Curriculum Development: Demonstrated skill in co-authoring educational materials and modules, ensuring they meet educational standards and learning objectives.
• Program Development: Skilled in developing curriculum and program materials that blend technical knowledge with soft skills, tailored to enhance the operational efficiency and decision-making capabilities of professionals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Expertise in collaborating with design and development teams to refine program deliverables, and ensure alignment with strategic educational objectives.
• Performance Improvement: Dedicated to enhancing both individual and group performance through targeted feedback, and adaptive teaching methods.

• Led the Community Care Network ($128B) activities, supervising a team of 32 personnel ranging from GS-14 to GS-09.
• Managed daily activities, ensuring SAC and OPAL missions/goals were met.
• Oversaw a portfolio of over 100 acquisitions with a life-cycle value exceeding $217B.
• Promoted SAC and OALC as a full-service acquisition organization.
• Provided briefings to senior leaders on acquisition process/status and industry best practices.
• Conducted performance assessments, advised senior leaders, and developed strategic plans.
• Identified functional training needs, developed acquisition strategies, and acted as an agency contracting liaison.
• Directed a full range of contract administration actions, including modifications, negotiations, and tracking contractor performance.
• Advised on contractual actions within VA and other Government agencies.
• Managed acquisition team for effective enterprise-wide contracts.
• Served as contracting expert on VHA Program Management Integrated Product Team.
• Managed processes for Contract Review Board/Team, Contractor Performance Assessment Review, and Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan.

Acting Director, Procurement Services A (Non-detailed Rotation)

• Duration: January 2017 - September 2017
• Managed daily activities, ensuring SAC and OAO missions/goals were met.
• Oversaw 145 acquisitions valued at over $4 billion, promoting SAC and OAO as full-service acquisition organizations.

Division Chief, Procurement Services A

• Duration: June 2013 - January 2017
• Supervised a team of contract specialists and managed daily activities.
• Advised senior leaders on acquisition operations and provided contracting solutions.
• Led the Strategic Acquisition Center's evolution to deliver exceptional business results.