Justin Morales
Summary
Senior Contracting Officer with extensive experience in federal acquisition regulations (FAR/DFAR) and commercial contracting principles. Demonstrated expertise in leading teams through the execution of all facets of Federal contract administration activities, including complex strategic contract negotiations, ensuring compliance and safeguarding the interests of the United States. Proven ability in fostering continuous improvement and leveraging agile project management methodologies to deliver high-value contractual outcomes. Skilled communicator adept at providing advisory-level support to account leadership, enhancing win strategies for Federal engagements.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
San Diego
04.2021 - Current
- Performed a full range of functions across the scope of the contract lifecycle (cradle-to-grave) using various parts of the FAR/DFAR (FFP, IDIQ, etc.)
- Lead Contracting Officer supporting exercise Freedom Banner '21, providing direct oversight and management of 28 contracts valued at $2.3M
- Lead Contracting Officer for Operation Valiant Shield '22 providing direct oversight of 79 contract actions valued at >$1.7M, while serving as conduit for OCSIC coordination
- Lead Contracting Officer and Project Manager for the development and execution of an Expeditionary Acquisition Team '23, executing 12 contract actions valued at $1.4M
Expeditionary Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
Okinawa
06.2018 - 04.2021
- Managed all aspects of the contracting process from pre-solicitation to post-award activities (cradle-to-grave)
- Administered a total of 116 contract actions ranging from emergent requirements to long term actions in support of multi-lateral exercises, valued over $15M
- Performed in depth analysis and produce decision products for the development of USMC Performance Work Statement (PWS) for Navy Supply Systems Command (NAVSUP) $350 million dollar IDIQ
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
New Orleans
12.2015 - 07.2018
- Account Manager of Regional Contracting Office Government Wide Purchase Card accounts for all USMC reserve and I&I units
- Managed over 30 contract actions valued at over $3 million, handling all stages of the contract life cycle from initial market analysis to final award documentation and payment procedures.
- Conducted thorough market analysis to ensure competitive pricing and compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations and directed policies and procedures.
- Reviewed and recommended Purchase Requests, Statements of Work, and waivers, facilitating the timely and accurate acquisition of required supplies and services.
- Review invoices for accuracy before authorizing payment, ensuring full compliance with contract terms and conditions.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Entrepreneurship
American Public University System
07-2025
Skills
- Conflict Resolution
- Project Management
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Leadership
- Contracting Management
- Process Improvement
- Stakeholder Management
- Agile Methodologies
- Negotiation Skills
- Data Synthesis
- Business Development
Certification
- Security Clearance: TS/SCI
- May 2018, Contracting Officer Career Field Certification, Department of the Navy, Acquisition Career Management, DAWIA Professional / FAC-C
- Nov 2020, Military Scrum Master, Center for Adaptive Warfighting, Trained in agile product development methodologies.
- Exp Aug 2024, Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, HKPO Veterans Academy
- Exp Nov 2024, Project Management Professional (PMP), Skillsoft-Percipio
Significant Projects
- Lead Contracting Officer, Valiant Shield 22 and Task Force Koa Moana 22: Deployed in support of a large-scale joint exercise in the INDOPACIFIC for two distinct but concurrent military exercises, Valiant Shield 22 (April 23 to June 23) and Task Force Koa Moana 22 (April to September 2022) managing 117 contract actions valued at over $2.8 million.
- Lead Contracting Officer, Freedom Banner 21: Deployed to Guam from July 19 to September 16, supporting the composited task force, managing 28 contract requirements valued at $2.37 million, developed acquisition strategies for imminent destructive weather, and coordinated support through five external government agencies. Ensured compliance and administrative closeout, optimizing operational efficiency and cost savings.
- Led development of $14.5M, IDIQ contract for Aero-Medical Evacuation (AME) ISO Marine Rotational Force - Darwin (MRF-D); Spearheaded the project from initial inception through completion, identifying and engaging vendors in a foreign environment, during a time of crisis, ensuring rapid medical response capabilities for Marines. Managed all aspects of contract formulation, negotiation, and execution
- Expeditionary Contracting Officer, Balikatan 2019: Deployed to the Philippines to manage contracting operations for the Combined Joint Civil Military Operation Task Force. Successfully consolidated 185 requirements into 84 contract actions, managed $851,224 in funds, and secured $332,912 in savings. Facilitated infrastructure improvements to three schools and one hospital, enhancing local facilities and US-Philippine military interoperability.
Affiliations
- Member of The National Society of Leadership and Success, 2024
Websites
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
04.2021 - Current
Expeditionary Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
06.2018 - 04.2021
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
12.2015 - 07.2018
Bachelor of Arts - Entrepreneurship
American Public University System