MICHELE FISHER

o Provide consistent, comprehensive contract resource support to Black Hills Area Office (BHAO) staff regarding construction modifications, contractor payment applications, contract closeout documentation, and other essential contract-related materials. Meticulous record maintenance accompanies all actions, alongside the preparation and diligent monitoring of contractor payment estimates. Strict adherence to contractual time constraints and the Prompt Payment Act is maintained through proactive management of payment suspense dates. Furthermore, close-out status for all contracts is continuously monitored, with support provided for upward reporting requirements via a computerized database.

o Expertly manage vital progress payments for the substantial project load at BHAO – approximately 75 contracts – across 7 Resident Offices and 2 Area Offices (AO). The processing volume is substantial, totaling $464,993,240.74 from April 2024 (FY24) through March 2025 (FY25). In addition to the standard AO procedure, one resident office requires assistance tailored to their workflow, necessitating additional effort, totaling $8,077,696.40 in 17 count pays.

o Collaborate efficiently with a dedicated team to facilitate the seamless closeout of completed construction contracts, directly supporting the Contract Resources team’s objectives. Proactive coordination with the Chief of Contract Resources (CCR) and Contracting Officer (KO) is maintained when services fall outside existing contracts, ensuring appropriate payment and documentation, and fostering effective collaboration within the Contract Resources team.

o Serve as the organization’s Government Purchase Card (GPC) subject matter expert and demonstrate a strong and nuanced understanding of procurement regulations and industry best practice. Meticulously screen all GPC actions for mandatory sources, diligent acquisition of necessary pre-purchase approvals, and accurate transaction processing. Ensure complete accountability beyond routine processing, by verifying receipts, maintaining comprehensive documentation, and performing thorough transaction reconciliations.

o Guarantee all purchases meet a demonstrable Bona Fide Need and ensure. GPC utilization is consistently purposeful and focused on optimizing program efficiency. Provide expertise necessary for successful management of the GPC program and contributes significantly to responsible spending.

Adapted proactively to evolving GPC compliance requirements for both FY24 and FY25 by preparing, scheduling, and facilitating productive meetings with key stakeholders – including the Billing Official (BO), CCR, and Administration Officer – to collaboratively discuss and implement necessary procedural adjustments. Developed a new Purchase Request & Compliance (PR&C) log to track Resource Codes to enhance financial oversight, improve money management, and provide greater clarity and control in the current tracking system.

o Consistently demonstrate exceptional communication skills and foster strong working relationships to ensuring smooth operational flow. Proactively engage with the broader Black Hills Area of Responsibility (AOR) to clearly and persuasively communicate the critical importance of timely Progress Payment submissions. Take ownership in identifying and escalating any funding issues within RMS, demonstrating a commitment to problem-solving and proactive financial management.

o Emerged as a key point of contact during recent disruptive CEFMS shutdown, skillfully utilizing a variety of communication channels – including email, phone calls, and direct messaging – to address questions, proactively calm concerns, and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with field personnel. This ability to navigate a challenging situation with grace and clarity was instrumental in minimizing disruption. Weekly achievement updates are proactively shared with the team, fostering a culture of transparency, open communication, and collaborative success. Clear and concise explanations of complex procedures during training sessions (as detailed in Section V) further exemplify a dedication to effective knowledge transfer.

Developed useful, clear Progress Payment Training to optimize the Progress Payment process within BHAO. Facilitated team meetings to discuss process and garner feedback on possible areas of improvement. Delivered (4) training sessions to BHAO and (4) training sessions to Missouri River Area Office (MRAO) resident offices to ensure a seamless implementation of new processes and communicate the lifecycle of Progress Payments. This included detailed instruction on the initial progress payment process – typically involving Bonds – as well as thorough guidance on Pre-Final and Final Progress Payment pay requests. These training sessions equipped the team with the essential knowledge and skills needed to confidently navigate these critical payment stages.

o Actively seek opportunities for continuous learning and enthusiastically shares knowledge with colleagues. Proactively engage in research to stay current with evolving regulations, demonstrated by in-depth investigation into environmental requirements related to wetland disturbances.

o Meticulous research and compilation of comprehensive information on federal, state, and military environmental regulations are central to our work. Ensuring compliance allows contractors to effectively minimize environmental impacts, upholding a commitment to responsible practices. Research and draft responses to Requests for Information from Contractors related to:

§ 23C0034 Bldg 631 NPDES Stormwater Notice to Terminate: NPDES permitting.

§ 24C0027 Cavalier Fuel Storage RFI-0008 Contaminates of Concern Soil: PFOS/PFOA regulations & SWPPP review.

§ 24C0033 Bldg 649 RFI-0037 Wetland Disturbance Procedure Request: Wetland permitting & project environmental concerns.

§ 24C0043 Bldg 607 Environmental Specifications: Site-specific specification integration.

o Thorough cost and technical analyses of proposals inform negotiation objectives for construction modifications. Review invoices, identify discrepancies, and verify Contractor markups – analytical skills directly contributing to potential government cost savings on key projects:

· 21C0045 LO Hangar, R00057 UP-009 Discrepancy in Elevation at Apron: potentially $416,707 and 15-calendar-day schedule acceleration.

· 22C0003 FR Maj Rehab R00024 Calendar Days: Resolved contract duration inconsistencies through research of the solicitation & modifications, and collaborative communication with the Office Engineer, KO, and previous ACO.

· 23C0034 Bldg 631 R00005 Phase II Design Changes / R00008 2nd Floor Mechanical Room / R00009 Roof Replacement: potentially $1 million

Highly proficient in both RMS and CEFMS, utilized for comprehensive contract administration and financial management. Proactively identify and resolve issues within these systems. Effectively manage a high volume of financial transactions, ensuring operational efficiency and accuracy. Demonstrate a robust technical skillset and exceptional problem-solving capacity, as demonstrated by the ability to seamlessly navigate the recent CEFMS shutdown and provide critical support to field personnel.

Provided comprehensive training sessions to ensure a smooth transition to updated Progress Payment processes, for new field staff employees. These sessions equipped personnel with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively manage progress payments in the field. Developed detailed and readily accessible documentation to serve as a valuable reference resource for staff members. Demonstrably enhanced the Black Hills AOR understanding of the Progress Payment processes, fostering greater accuracy and consistency. Implementation of these updated processes and training initiatives will yield significant benefits, including improved efficiency, enhanced communication and collaboration, reduced errors and discrepancies, and strengthened compliance with regulatory requirements and internal policies.

Provided dedicated support to the Admin Officer, encompassing a range of critical tasks beyond core responsibilities, such as the following:

- Assisted with Joint Reviews, conducting thorough research of Project Requirements and Cost data to verify appropriate funding actions – whether to keep or modify allocations.

- Preparation for the IED Bomb Threat Exercise, and updates to the Emergency/Mass Notification Process for BHAO

Assistance with decommitting a training Project Requirements and Cost further demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive operational support and proactive risk mitigation.

o Diligently execute key financial and administrative tasks by critical deadlines. Process efficient processing of progress payments, quarterly statements, and update on System Milestone Schedules Routinely and efficiently.

o Proactively address and resolve issues related to recurring GPC charges for essential services, alongside clear and timely communication of Department of Defense GPC freeze information. This ensures consistent GPC compliance and minimizes potential financial risk.

o Dedicated to training others on critical processes, including Progress Payment procedures, GPC protocols, and Contract Posted Sets – all of which contribute to building capacity and expertise within the team.

o Streamlined vehicle management across the BHAO and MRAO, including a successful split of area office vehicle responsibilities. Conducted thorough research to rectify a GSA vehicle accident. Provided comprehensive training to facilitate a seamless transition to the new GSA Fleet website – encompassing procurement and replacement procedures. Successfully fulfilled nine of twelve new vehicle requests by proactively facilitating acquisition of used vehicles from other government agencies.

• Perform field testing on soils, concrete, asphalt, aggregate and other construction material adhering to ASTM standards. Make recommendations for field conditions based on private, commercial & DOT project specifications; identify inefficiencies requiring correction.
• Assist with soils lab testing consisting of proctors, Atterberg Limits, M&Bs, and some gradation 200 wash associated with CMT and Geotechnical work.
• Complete paperwork & GINT conversion to SpectraQuest documentation reports and results.
• Complete field/laboratory test, observation, calibration of CMT equipment: proctor, slump cone, air pot, strike off bar, rod, scales, etc.
• 25-40hr/week

• Create, organize, inventory & maintain electronic inventory log of chemicals within lab & respective Safety Data Sheets. Calibrate and log equipment: probes, balances, titrators, HQD, Colorimeter, microscopes, etc. Ensure the laboratory follows all applicable guidelines and laws.
• Prepare lab samples; organize & bind lab documents, verify chemicals/samples containers are in stock & labeled appropriately. Assist with Lab Trials: Geology, Biology, Air Quality, Construction Materials & Testing, Environmental Science, Water Quality, etc. Supervise lab activities for first year students; assist with methods, concepts, and testing procedures.
• 20-25hr/week

• Develop Aquaponics System for use in Tertiary Wastewater Treatment.
• Within a team, I collected, tested, and logged effluent from Wastewater Treatment plant: diagnosed nutrient pollution & hypothesized adding an Aquaponic/Hydroponic system to the wastewater treatment process will reduce nutrient pollution in the environment.
• Created Aquaponic SOP for written & electronic: Data Collection, Testing Strategy, Aquatic & Vegetation Requirements, Testing Schedule, and Equipment Requirements.
• Inspected, provided support, & maintained sustainable Aquaponics unit. Assisted with inventory & construction of new Hydroponics unit for testing.
• 20-25hr/week