Rita Okolo
Summary
Results-oriented professional with over 17 years of progressive experience in public health program coordination, contracting, and healthcare operations. Highly competent in managing projects from needs assessment through implementation, fostering team collaboration, and driving impactful results. Strong expertise in contract management, compliance, and negotiation. Excellent communication, problem-solving abilities, and strategic thinking. Seeking to expand responsibilities in contracting and project management to further contribute to organizational success.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Lead Regulatory Counsel (Contracting Officer Representative -COR III)
Food and Drug Administration
03.2016 - Current
- Serve as a mid-level manager leading high performing teams (Contractors and federal employees) to ensure contract adherence and compliance to the Statement of Work (SOW) in over 150 contracts, with focus on efficient operations and effective collaboration.
- Plan and execute the post-award kickoff meetings with contractor, associated offices, and other required officials to ensure that all parties involved have a common understanding of the goals and expected results as defined in the contract.
- Coordinate with the contracting office to perform procurement planning and identify services for acquisition. Assists in performing pre-award functions for high level complex contracts which includes conference meetings, conducting market research to determine the availability of potential vendors, develop Statement of Work, Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Acquisition Plan (AP), Sources Sought Notice (SSN), evaluation criteria and capability statements.
- Prepare budget documentation and collaborate with fiscal team to determine financial accuracy and to prevent fraud and wasted resources. Prepare and maintain acquisition plans, milestones, and schedules for complex contracts.
- Research contract laws, policies and regulations which affect inspection functions. Analyze inspection information to support enforcement actions.
- Prepare contract modifications and resolving post-award relating to pricing and compliance. Draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for project activities.
- Act as Subject Matter Expert (SME) for stakeholders, providing guidance on project/contract activities. Identify issues, problems and project areas with potential significant quality improvements and determine corrective actions.
- Develop quality programs and regulatory compliance initiatives. Review and negotiate with the contractors on timely resolution of regulatory issues associated with the contracts procedures and provide guidance to avoid delays in achieving the contract goal.
- Serve as the Contracting Officer Representative for $250 million complex IDIQs overseeing over 100,000 monthly tobacco inspections and ensuring compliance with the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act.
- Lead the Project Analysis Group (PAG) evaluating proposals and conducting risk or regulatory analysis and negotiations. Prepare contract modifications and resolve post-award issues related to pricing and compliance.
- Monitor and evaluate the contractor's performance in CPARS (Contractor Performance Assessment Reports System) effectiveness of the project.
- Review and approve / reject contractor's deliverables (monthly and quarterly reports) and invoices for correctness. Participate in onsite visits/evaluation of field activities of all compliance check inspection and identify areas of improvement and prepare comprehensive reports to ensure excellent operating efficiency and utilization of resources.
Public Health Administrator
Save the Cord Foundation
09.2012 - 03.2016
- Routinely perform qualitative research work by conducting surveys, focus group and individual interviews in compliance with the principles of Institutional Review Board (IRB) explaining policies and procedures of cord blood donation.
- Compiled scientific data to enhance marketing strategies and evaluate program efficacy.
- Drafted Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and analyzed program planning for improvement.
- Collaborated with local communities to promote cord blood donation. Educated on cord blood donation at health fairs and university events.
- Prepared and delivered weekly reports to Foundation Director.
- Participated in meetings and teleconferences with major group to share policies and best practices in support of the program.
- Presented and conducted training sessions regarding cord blood donation and correct labeling procedures of cord blood for Labor and delivery units of various hospitals in the classrooms and business meetings.
Pharmacy Associate
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
08.2010 - 03.2016
- Performed data entry for all details of prescribed medications in CHCS and essentrx. Handled all PYXIS Pharmacy associate duties. Evaluated medical devices in the pharmacy and nurse's stations to identify issues and risk to patients. Reviewed information from nurses and pharmacy associates to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of medical devices. Trained new Pharmacy Technicians on use of medical devices.
- Managed outstanding inventory to ensure that the proper amount of pharmacy supplies was in stock. Packaged, counted, and labeled medications, drugs, and reconstituting compounds for patient use. Prepared intravenous (IV) medications with different medical devices for nursing units and satellite pharmacy. Took full responsibility for monthly inspection check of units to ensure proper storage and potency of stocked medications. Entered IV medications in Simplifi 797.
Pharmacy Associate
Rite Aid Pharmacy
04.2007 - 10.2011
- Processed all physician-ordered prescriptions in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment. Liaised with third-party suppliers to resolve issues arising within the prescribed patients' medications. Gathered patient information and retrieves medications; performs pharmaceutical calculations as needed.
- Prepared/packaged medications, printed Rx labels for pharmacists. Maintained medication histories.
Pharmacy Associate
Washington Hospital Center
01.2009 - 08.2010
- Trained new pharmacy technicians in proper procedures and established business goals. Delegated tasks to team members to ensure efficient operating procedures and exceptional customer service. Monitored employee performance and delivered evaluations to management. Managed inventory to ensure that the proper amount of pharmacy supplies was in stock.
- Performed all pyxis technician duties. Prepared IV medications for nursing units and satellite pharmacy. Packaged, counted, and labeled medications, drugs, and reconstituting compounds for pharmacists.
Education
Master of Science - Public Health
Morgan State University
Baltimore, MD05-2013
A.S - Pre-Pharmacy
Montgomery College
Takoma Park, MD09-2010
B.Sc. - Biochemistry
University of Nigeria
Nsukka, Enugu State04-2005
Skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite
- Computerized order entry systems proficiency
- Tobacco inspection systems expertise
- Reviewing contract terms
- Skilled in contract negotiation
Certification
- Contracting Officer Representative Certification (COR III)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- Management Concept: FAR fundamentals Certification
- Pharmacy Technician Certification, National.
- Pharmacy Technician Certification, State of Maryland.
Accomplishments
Contract Management Success
Successfully managed $250 million contracts across 50 states, managing over 100,000 monthly inspections nationwide ensuring 99% compliance rate
Procurement Optimization
Reduced procurement planning errors by 30% through efficient market research and vendor analysis.
Fiscal Responsibility Recognition
Facilitated de-obligation of substantial funds, enhancing FDA's mission and operational efficiency.
Contracting Officer Representative (COR)Training
Trained over 20+ CORs, improving procurement process efficiency by 40%
Timeline
Lead Regulatory Counsel (Contracting Officer Representative -COR III)
Food and Drug Administration
03.2016 - Current
Public Health Administrator
Save the Cord Foundation
09.2012 - 03.2016
Pharmacy Associate
Walter Reed National Military Medical Center
08.2010 - 03.2016
Pharmacy Associate
Washington Hospital Center
01.2009 - 08.2010
Pharmacy Associate
Rite Aid Pharmacy
04.2007 - 10.2011
Master of Science - Public Health
Morgan State University
A.S - Pre-Pharmacy
Montgomery College
B.Sc. - Biochemistry
University of Nigeria
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