Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Work Availability
Veteran Status

Ranae Armstrong

Middletown,MD
Experience is a hard teacher because she gives the test first, the lesson after.
Vernon Law

Summary

Knowledgeable acquisition management professional with solid foundation in contract management and negotiation. Successfully managed diverse contracts, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks. Demonstrated proficiency in attention to detail and effective communication. Experienced with contract negotiation and management, ensuring compliance and mitigating risks for successful outcomes. Uses meticulous attention to detail and effective communication to streamline contract processes. Knowledge of legal requirements and regulatory standards, ensuring all contracts meet necessary guidelines.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certificate
1
1

Contracting Officer, Level I

1
1

FAC-C Level III

Work History

Contract Specialist - 1102 Series Pay Band ZA-3 (equivalent to GS 12/13)

National Institute of Standards and Technology
04.2014 - Current
  • Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
  • Reviewed subcontractor agreements to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations, minimizing risk exposure.
  • Reduced risk exposure through diligent monitoring and enforcement of contractual obligations.
  • 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.
  • Reviewed contract plans and project specifics for thorough understanding.
  • Achieved cost savings by identifying areas for improvement and negotiating more favorable terms with suppliers.
  • Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
  • Implemented robust tracking systems to monitor ongoing contract performance, enabling proactive identification of potential issues.
  • Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
  • Managed high-value contracts portfolio, maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Provided expert guidance on complex contracting issues to support informed decision-making across the organization.
  • Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during disputes resolutions sessions.
  • Created and prepared specific contracts to present to senior management.
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive contract strategies that met business objectives.
  • Championed change management efforts following major contract revisions, ensuring smooth transitions and minimizing disruption to business operations.
  • Provided exceptional customer service to diverse clientele even in high-stress environments.
  • Increased operational efficiency through regular audits of existing contracts, identifying opportunities for renegotiation or termination when necessary.
  • Liaised with outside organizations and financial management analysts to negotiate contract details.
  • Mitigated legal risks by conducting thorough reviews of contractual agreements before finalizing negotiations.
  • Closely monitored and evaluated contract performance to determine regulatory compliance and necessary amendments.
  • Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies and prepared contracts for approval.
  • Streamlined vendor selection process resulting in efficient procurement of goods and services.
  • Created and finalized contracts for complex scientific supplies & services deals with customers.
  • Reviewed current contracts to identify upcoming contract expirations and coordinated with stakeholders to analyze contract renewals and re-negotiation.
  • Assisted contract and legal professionals to address contract issues and developments.
  • Negotiated with bidders to achieve fair, reasonable, and positive outcomes.
  • Managed 10 plus contracts valued at $4 million - $8 million and led $50 millions plus scientific supply and service projects successfully.
  • Delivered 5 plus years of acquisition regulation & procedures training to teach requistioners and team members policies and procedures.
  • Collaborated closely with legal counsel during sensitive negotiations to protect organizational interests effectively.
  • Enhanced contract negotiation processes by streamlining documentation and communication procedures.
  • Stored and filed contract documents in orderly, organized systems.
  • Addressed contract disputes and provided advice and guidance to resolve issues.
  • Monitored incoming contracts and service agreements for correct pricing and information.
  • Streamlined operations by developing and implementing improved contract management processes.
  • Oversaw contracts for over three different departments using both manual and automated strategies.
  • Adhered to legal and contractual requirements for compliant contract processes.
  • Drafted, reviewed and revised contracts for accuracy and completeness.
  • Developed training materials to unify contract management processes and procedures.
  • Tracked contract milestones and updated stakeholders to facilitate project progress.
  • Facilitated communication between involved parties to enable timely contract sign-off.
  • Negotiated and reviewed contracts to protect customer interests.
  • Assessed risks inherent in contract changes and potential impacts, informing management in detail of concerns to avoid liabilities.
  • Created solicitation packages and conducted thorough research for each bid.
  • Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing and finalized contracts.
  • Conducted research, identifying potential vendors and better pricing options.
  • Searched for hard-to-find items and found high-quality, reliable vendors.
  • Collaborated with internal departments to identify and manage demand for material and services.
  • Identified and resolved supply chain issues to mitigate delays and production disruptions.
  • Maintained documentation for all purchases.
  • Worked with departments to find new and better items to fulfill diverse needs.

Emergency Management Intern

Frederick County Division of Emergency Preparedness
01.2013 - 12.2013
  • Developed strong relationships with community partners, fostering a collaborative approach to emergency management issues.
  • Contributed to the evaluation of new technology for use in disaster response operations, increasing overall efficiency.
  • Created detailed reports on lessons learned from past incidents, leading to more effective response strategies.
  • Assisted in the design and implementation of training programs for first responders, improving their knowledge and skills base.
  • Assisted in the development of comprehensive emergency management plans for various disaster scenarios.
  • Collaborated with diverse stakeholders to develop hazard mitigation strategies that reduced risks associated with natural disasters and other incidents.
  • Enhanced situational awareness by maintaining up-to-date records of critical infrastructure vulnerabilities and potential threats.
  • Conducted thorough research on best practices and emerging trends in emergency management to inform policy updates.
  • Analyzed data from previous emergencies to identify areas needing improvement in future responses.
  • Participated in post-incident debriefings, providing valuable input for future improvements in emergency management practices.
  • Participated in multi-agency emergency preparedness exercises, enhancing collaboration and coordination efforts.
  • Maintained current understanding of local, state and federal guidelines for emergency response.
  • Investigated practical and theoretical issues facing emergency services and identified effective resolutions.
  • Reviewed operational plans from other locations to identify options for local systems.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree - Emergency Management, psychology

University of Maryland University College, Adelphi, MD
01.2013
  • Coursework completed cum laude
  • Member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda, First in Leadership and Scholarship Honor Society for Adult Learners in Continuing Higher Education; Alpha Sigma Lambda Allies Mentor for adult learners
  • GPA: 3.853
  • Honoree of Alpha Sigma Lambda

Skills

  • FAC-C Level III Certified
  • Level I Contracting Officer and Mentor at NIST f
  • 11-years Cradle-to-Grave Acquisition
  • Commercial and Non-Commercial (Parts 8,12,13, & 15)
  • DITAP Certified
  • Legal & Regulatory compliance
  • Conflict mediation & negotiation
  • Contract closeout
  • Strategic planning
  • Risk management and monitoring
  • Workflow management
  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Improvements development
  • Sourcing techniques & procurement strategies
  • Contract performance monitoring & Risk Mitigation

Certification

  • Certified DITAP
  • Contracting Officer, Level O
  • FAC-C, Level III

Timeline

Contract Specialist - 1102 Series Pay Band ZA-3 (equivalent to GS 12/13) - National Institute of Standards and Technology
04.2014 - Current
Emergency Management Intern - Frederick County Division of Emergency Preparedness
01.2013 - 12.2013
University of Maryland University College - Bachelor’s Degree, Emergency Management, psychology

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Veteran Status

USN VETERAN
Ranae Armstrong