PHILIP PICKENS
Richlands,NC
Summary
A United States Marine Corps veteran and contracts manager professional with over 15 years of experience in management, operations, logistics, and contracts. Demonstrated expertise in drafting agreements, evaluating and negotiating terms, and developing and implementing procedures for contracts. Possess a comprehensive background in contracting systems, leadership, and supervision; managed assets valued at $15M while mitigating risk, safety, and compliance. Career supported by a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government Contracts & Acquisitions and professional military experience. A contracts management professional prepared to excel in high-stakes environments. Known for delivering impactful results through meticulous contract oversight and strategic negotiation. Valued team collaborator with a focus on achieving goals and adapting to evolving needs. Expertise in risk mitigation and regulatory compliance.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Contracts Manager
Tech Systems, Inc.
06.2023 - 12.2024
- Managed a portfolio of 13 Federal Contracts and Subcontracts consisting of Cost-Reimbursables and Firm Fixed Priced projects valued at over $200M and an annual revenue of $50M
- Provided contractual and legal guidance directly to the Chairman and CEO regarding Contract Compliance, Negotiations, Price adjustments, and claims
- Managed, mentored, and developed team members from all support sections in business development through operations to ensure compliances throughout contract inception through operations and closeout
- Held company binding authority for all negotiated terms concerning contracts, subcontracts, teaming agreements, and partnerships
- Managed a diverse portfolio of contracts spanning multiple industries and sectors, demonstrating adaptability in addressing unique challenges associated with each project.
- Developed strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of contract requirements and business objectives.
- Provided expert guidance on contractual matters to senior leadership, supporting informed decision-making processes.
- Streamlined contract management systems for improved efficiency and reduced processing times.
Senior Contracts Specialist
United States Marine Corps
03.2021 - 03.2023
- Spearheaded contracting the acquisitions process, executed management of all pre-award functions and post-award support, and managed and administered 30+ service contracts
- Conducted all contract actions on service contracts supporting the training and equipping of 19,000 Marine Recruits from inception to graduation annually
- Generated contract actions for new requirements; applied regulations, including price analysis, review of technical evaluations, and source selection
- Facilitated customer training on core competencies and violations of fiscal law; negotiated with vendors to rectify contract and performance deficiencies
- Planned and developed an emergency contract support element for organizational hurricane evacuations
Lead Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Led a team of 4 contracting officers to manage all contract development to support and advise active Marine units in Europe and Africa on all contracting matters valued at $1M
- Provided constant contractual and legal guidance to commanders, operations officers, and logistical support entities to ensure the success of operation requirements
- Led, mentored, and developed all members of the acquisition team and completed all actions per regulatory compliances
- Mitigated all challenges and certified all documentation of the COVID-19 pandemic to meet all contractual obligations and constraints
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
06.2016 - 03.2020
- Maintained accurate tracking and monitoring of the organizational processing of 170 contracts valued at over $15M and served as the point of contact for customers on contractual matters
- Executed all contracting functions and supported the acquisition of goods and services for all training; ensured documents were allocable, allowable, and authorized for legal and regulatory validity
- Conducted technical price analysis’ ensuring the validity of the source selection, and contributed to the contract requirements for 5+ projects
- Improved existing procedures for section training supervisors by creating 6-part folders with the required information, enhancing contract and personnel readiness
Contracting Support Operations Chief
United States Marine Corps
03.2015 - 06.2016
- Sourced and selected by the Acquisition Senior Leadership to strengthen and establish a new proof of concept and review and verify contract documents in the western region
- Advised the Officer in Charge throughout the development of office procedures and managed the support for multiple contracting officers in austere environments
- Led, trained, and mentored a 16-person team to establish contracting support for the Expeditionary Contract Platoon (ECP); authored various policies and guidance establishing Standard Operating Procedures
- Prepared the ECP for the initial Procurement Performance Management Assessment Program Audit conducted by Headquarters Marine Corps, receiving a satisfactory rating for the first time
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
01.2013 - 03.2015
- Managed the professional development, personnel, and educational requirements of 16 personnel and performed Operations Management and support for multiple contracting officers
- Acquired $150K in support of operations in the Marine Central Command; executed and administered over 80 contract actions valued over $M in support of operations in Bahrain, Djibouti, Yemen, Kuwait, and Jordan
- Sourced base defense, life support, and mission operational support in combat operations
- Submitted support requirement packets to maintain the Director’s guidance, resulting in key force protection and operational and intelligence requirements
Education
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Government Contracts & Acquisitions
American Military University
10-2023
Skills
- Contract Management
- Program Management
- Risk Management
- Process Improvement
- Procurement
- Negotiation
- Technical Skills
- Oral Communication
- Written Communication
- Office Administration
- Contract drafting
- Dispute resolution
- Legal compliance
- Cost control
Certification
- DAWIA Contracting Professional Certified, 2022
- DAWIA Level 2 Contracting Certified, 2018
Specializedmilitarytraining
- Intermediate Leadership Development Course
- Senior Enlisted Joint Education Seminar
- Basic Leadership Development Course
- Supply Chain Management Basic Course
- Basic Skills Course
Technicalcompetencies
Microsoft Office Suite 365, SharePoint, Microsoft Windows, Vertical Response
Key Qualifications
- Highly Skilled | Proven track record for collaborating with multi-dimensional teams in high-pressure, high-tempo environments producing on schedule and within required deliverables.
- Strengths | Thrives in both independent and collaborative work environments. Skilled at developing and cultivating key relationships and establishing effective collaborations.
- Asset Management | Developed and approved all short and long-term budget projections, forecasting, and management for the annual operating budget of over $15M.
Work Availability
monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline
Senior Contracts Manager
Tech Systems, Inc.
06.2023 - 12.2024
Senior Contracts Specialist
United States Marine Corps
03.2021 - 03.2023
Lead Contracting Officer
United States Marine Corps
03.2020 - 03.2021
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
06.2016 - 03.2020
Contracting Support Operations Chief
United States Marine Corps
03.2015 - 06.2016
Contracting Specialist
United States Marine Corps
01.2013 - 03.2015
- DAWIA Contracting Professional Certified, 2022
- DAWIA Level 2 Contracting Certified, 2018
Bachelor of Arts (BA) - Government Contracts & Acquisitions
American Military University
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