Samantha Mehl
Edgewater,MD
Summary
Accomplished Program Analyst and IT Category Manager at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, skilled in strategic planning and consensus building. Successfully led multi-billion-dollar IT acquisition programs, resulting in enhanced procurement efficiency and improved stakeholder engagement. Recognized for critical thinking and effective communication, driving significant improvements in program performance and operational efficiency across government procurement operations.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Program Analyst/IT Category Manager
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Washington, DC
05.2019 - Current
- Spearheaded the development and execution of a robust training program, delivering 30+ sessions annually to 3,000+ government-wide stakeholders.
- Created and presented original training content for interagency use, educating procurement professionals on Category Management and Strategic Sourcing Vehicles (SSVs).
- Managed the lifecycle of multi-billion-dollar IT Strategic Sourcing Vehicles, including contract development, execution, training, and continuous improvement.
- Led the development of key acquisition documents (SOW/PWS, IGCE, Acquisition Plans) for major procurement contracts, ensuring efficiency and compliance.
- Conducted cost-benefit evaluations and developed performance metrics for IT acquisition programs, improving operational efficiencies across DHS.
- Served as IT Acquisition SME, reviewing over 600 proposals and leading evaluations for a $10B SSV contract award.
- Designed and led the implementation of knowledge management systems and business case assessments, streamlining acquisition strategy.
- Developed outreach initiatives that promoted DHS's strategic sourcing programs, increasing awareness and adoption across multiple agencies.
- Oversaw IT procurement policy alignment with DHS and OMB guidelines, ensuring adherence to federal acquisition regulations.
- Partnered with cross-agency teams to execute high-value IT sourcing contracts, including the $2.7B Data Center & Cloud Optimization Support Services initiative.
- Created and implemented innovative communication strategies, including explainer videos, training guides, and customer engagement surveys.
- Led the development of the DHS IT Annual Category Management Plan, streamlining procurement strategies for FY23 and FY24.
- Enhanced cross-functional collaboration by facilitating Integrated Product Teams (IPTs) and acquisition strategy meetings, improving procurement efficiencies.
Contract Specialist
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Washington, DC
07.2014 - 07.2019
- Managed the full acquisition lifecycle for multimillion-dollar contracts, including contract planning, development, execution, administration, and closeout.
- Reviewed and processed high-value contract documents, including Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Justifications, Market Research Reports, and Acquisition Plans.
- Developed solicitation documents, issued RFQs and RFPs, and conducted technical and price evaluations of vendor proposals.
- Led procurement efforts for major DHS programs, including a $125M Other Transaction (OT) agreement for Border and Maritime Security.
- Acted as lead Contract Specialist for an $81M Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract for Guard Services at the Nebraska Avenue Complex.
- Negotiated contract terms, facilitated pre-proposal conferences, conducted proposal evaluations, and managed technical review panels.
- Oversaw compliance with federal acquisition regulations (FAR) and ensured best-value procurement through competitive sourcing strategies.
- Provided expert guidance on price analysis, cost evaluation, and contract modifications to optimize procurement efficiency.
- Led debriefings, kick-off meetings, and technical evaluation training sessions to enhance acquisition processes and contract execution.
- Played a key role in DHS's Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP), gaining extensive experience in intelligence, operations, and departmental acquisitions.
- Designed and implemented process improvements for procurement operations, saving DHS significant resources while enhancing acquisition transparency.
Buyer/Planner
Under Armour
Baltimore, MD
04.2011 - 02.2014
- Oversaw contract development, negotiations, and administration for multimillion-dollar acquisitions.
- Led procurement strategies for IT, security services, and interagency agreements.
- Conducted cost-benefit analyses, contract evaluations, and compliance assessments.
Planning Manager/Buyer
Marlo Furniture
Rockville, MD
10.2009 - 04.2011
- Negotiated vendor contracts, streamlined procurement, and developed merchandise strategies.
Assistant Buyer/Assistant Planner
Saks Incorporated
New York City, USA
04.2007 - 04.2009
Allocation Analyst
TJX Corporation
Framingham, USA
02.2006 - 04.2007
Education
Master of Business Administration - Science and Technology
George Washington University
Washington, DC07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/ Marketing And Management
Northeastern University
Boston, MA05.2006
Skills
- Program Management
- Team Consensus Facilitation
- Collaborative Problem-Solving
- Strategic Decision Making
- Strategic Development
- Risk assessment expertise
Certification
- Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Level III
- Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Officer Representative Certification Level III
Timeline
Program Analyst/IT Category Manager
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
05.2019 - Current
Contract Specialist
U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
07.2014 - 07.2019
Buyer/Planner
Under Armour
04.2011 - 02.2014
Planning Manager/Buyer
Marlo Furniture
10.2009 - 04.2011
Assistant Buyer/Assistant Planner
Saks Incorporated
04.2007 - 04.2009
Allocation Analyst
TJX Corporation
02.2006 - 04.2007
- Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Level III
- Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting Officer Representative Certification Level III
Master of Business Administration - Science and Technology
George Washington University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration/ Marketing And Management
Northeastern University
Similar Profiles
Eric Cosme NegronEric Cosme Negron
Staff Accountant at U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Staff Accountant at U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
Leticia Gallegos RamirezLeticia Gallegos Ramirez
Immigration Service Assistant at Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)Immigration Service Assistant at Department of Homeland Security/U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
Di-Maries Serrano-GonzalezDi-Maries Serrano-Gonzalez
Program Support Branch Chief at Department of Homeland Security (DHS)Program Support Branch Chief at Department of Homeland Security (DHS)