Lucrecia Applewhaite
Villa Rica,GA
Summary
Highly Motivated Contract Specialist with proven track record of executing a variety of acquisition assignments, in a timely manner while focusing on procurement quality and customer service with [17] years of experience in contract administration and management. Proficient in monitoring contractor's performance with contract requirements and contract funding and expenditures. Detail-oriented in planning and managing procurement programs and contracting activities. Thorough in administering contract processes and ensuring policy and regulatory compliance. Committed to resolving contractor performance issues by devising solutions.
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work History
Contract Specialist (1102) Level II
Social Security Administration, SSA
09.2015 - Current
- Performs pre-award/award procedures, review purchase request trailer in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
- Managed full procurement cycle by planning, reviewing, soliciting, awarding, administering and closing out contract to achieve seamless transition at all levels of procurement.
- Conducted quality reviews and monitored contract performance.
- Implemented all critical information into agency's database and maintained confidentiality to keep information secure.
- Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele even in high-stress environments.
- Reviewed current contracts to identify upcoming contract expirations and coordinated with stakeholders to analyze contract renewals and re-negotiation.
- Tracked resolution status on critical contracts and issues for program management staff.
- Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies and prepared contracts for approval.
- Requests for Quotations (RFQs) to solicit quote where appropriate. Prepares solicitation and determine appropriate method of procurement, i.e., advertising utilizing, FedBiz or through negotiation in obtaining the best type of contract in order to fulfill government requirements. Determines if requirement is unrestricted, sole source and small business set a side. If deemed necessary; write synopsis, completes a Small Business Coordination Record to dissolve the small business set a side and prepare memoranda for legal review.
- Evaluates quotes using various cost price analysis, i.e., producer price index (PPI), U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), previously proposed prices and contract prices for the same or similar end items and Independent Government Estimates (IGE) to determine Fair and Reasonableness (F&R) of the proposed price(s). Past performance retrieval systems (PPIPRS) is considered in the source selection decision in the evaluation factors of awarding a Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contract.
- Proficient with North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes; System for Award Management (SAM) and Excluded Parties List System (EPLS).
- Negotiated with bidders to achieve fair, reasonable, and positive outcomes.
- Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
- Directed and conducted initiatives to perform contract administration using firm fixed price, time and material and agency indefinite quantity contracts.
- Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
- Assisted in expansion efforts by positioning contracts and executing paperwork as quickly as possible.
- Closely monitored and evaluated contract performance to determine regulatory compliance and necessary amendments.
- Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
- Analyzed parameters of joint ventures and created contract framework.
- Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
- Partnered with project managers to review costs and prepare budgets, subsequently reporting to clients.
Contract Specialist (1102) Level I
Social Security Administration, SSA
04.2007 - 09.2015
- Under supervision of a Senior Contracting Officer - Performed pre-award acquisition planning, reviewed purchase requirements and market research to determine availability of supplies/services in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR).
- Under supervision of a Senior Contracting Officer - Review technical writing, customer/contract liaison support. Purchased goods through open sources and used Requests for Quotations (RFQs) to solicit bids where appropriate. Prepared solicitation and determined appropriate method of procurement, i.e., advertising utilizing, FedBiz or through negotiation in obtaining the best type of contract for government requirements. Determined if requirement was unrestricted, sole source and small business set a side. Write synopsis, completed Small Business Coordination Record to dissolve the small business set a side and prepare memoranda for legal review.
- Under supervision of the Senior Contracting Officer - Evaluated quotes using various cost price analysis, i.e., previously proposed prices and contract prices for similar end items and Independent Government Estimates (IGE) to determine Fair and Reasonableness (F&R) of the proposed price(s). Contract Administrator for Firm Fixed Price (FFP) Contracts.
- Create contract awards, bilateral or unilateral modifications using Streamline Acquisition System (SSASY)
- Documentation which includes Fair and Reasonableness, legal reviews, memorandum to the file.
- Assisted in resolution of vendor issues for central region by working proactively with market contacts.
- Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
- Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
- Implemented all critical information into agency's database and maintained confidentiality to keep information secure.
- Worked proactively with market contacts to help resolve vendor issues for Region IV.
- Assisted in expansion efforts by positioning contracts and executing paperwork as quickly as possible.
- Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele even in high-stress environments.
- Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
Management Analyst
Social Security Adminstration
08.2001 - 04.2006
- Performed Micro- Purchase pre-award acquisition planning and market research to determine availability of supplies or services, and review purchase request requirements determining if commercial or non-commercial in accordance with the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). Requisitions and provided customer/contract liaison support to end user and/or vendor.
- Purchased goods through open sources and used Requests for Quotations (RFQs) to solicit bids where appropriate and issued payments via Government Purchase Card.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Developed and implemented strategic project plans to meet business objectives.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Maintained open communication by presenting regular updates on project status to customers.
- Monitored project progress, identified risks and took corrective action as needed.
- Scheduled and facilitated meetings between project stakeholders to discuss deliverables, schedules and conflicts.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Voluntary to shadow the Senior Contracting Officer and was assigned to the Data system SSASY and was responsible for competing all contract FPDS entries.
Education
Master of Arts - Food Studies And Management
New York University
New York, NY05.2001
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
New York City Technical College
Brooklyn, NY01.1999
Skills
- Superior negotiation skills
- Procurement specialist
- Contract management
- Contract negotiations
- Thrives on multi-tasking
- Process improvement
- Excellent time management
- Deadline-driven
Timeline
Contract Specialist (1102) Level II
Social Security Administration, SSA
09.2015 - Current
Contract Specialist (1102) Level I
Social Security Administration, SSA
04.2007 - 09.2015
Management Analyst
Social Security Adminstration
08.2001 - 04.2006
Master of Arts - Food Studies And Management
New York University
Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management
New York City Technical College