Sonja Watkins
Washington
Summary
Accomplished Contract management professional with strong track record in negotiating and managing high volume complex contracts. Adept at ensuring compliance and minimizing risks through precise contract oversight. Known for excellent teamwork and adaptability in dynamic environments, with a proven track record in policy analysis, research and developing policy framework inclusive of an organization's Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals.
Overview
23
23
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Contract Specialist/Procurement Policy Analyst
General Services Administration, GSA -Public Buildings Service (PBS) Acquisition Policy and Compliance (APAC)
05.2020 - Current
- Identify problem acquisition practices that deviate from prescribed policies or directives; recommend corrective action(s) in a clear and concise manner. Monitor implementation progress of corrective action(s) instituted.
- Analyze procurement procedures to ensure compliance with applicable statutes, federal acquisition regulations, and directives.
- Serve as lead campaigner and policy advocate to secure policies that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase clean energy generation of GSA facilities.
- Develop contract templates and guidelines to streamline the contracting process.
- Conduct training sessions for staff on acquisition policies and best practices; implement process improvements that enhance efficiency in contract administration workflows.
- Led cross-functional teams in the development of strategic procurement initiatives to optimize resource allocation.
Contract Specialist
United States Agency for International Development, USAID - Office of Acquisition and Assistance
04.2009 - 05.2020
- Negotiated contract terms to optimize supplier agreements and reduce costs.
- Analyzed procurement policies to enhance compliance and mitigate risk exposure.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment on contract deliverables.
- Conducted market research to inform strategic sourcing decisions and improve vendor selection.
- Developed and maintained comprehensive contract documentation for audit readiness.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in contract management and negotiation techniques.
- Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
- 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.
- Maintained digital and paper and contractual files, ensuring compliance with regulatory mandates and company policies.
- Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during disputes resolutions sessions.
- Provided expert guidance on complex contracting issues to support informed decision-making across the organization.
- Mitigated legal risks by conducting thorough reviews of contractual agreements before finalizing negotiations.
Budget Analyst/Program Analyst/Compliance Officer
District Of Columbia Government-Office of Chief Financial Officer/Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)/ NCRC - DC Instrumentality
06.2002 - 04.2009
- Advised stakeholders of cross-functional groups on the HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) compliance related strategies to foster its low-income housing and economic development goals.
- Served as the corporation's liaison to explain and direct agency policy and regulations and provide background of policy rationale.
- Assessed management and employees were in compliance with all appropriate federal grant funds and local regulatory requirements and sub-recipient's real estate transactions.
- Analyzed budget requests, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and fiscal policies associated with targeted housing program goals.
Education
MBA - Finance/International Business
New York University
New York, NYBBA - Accounting
Howard University
Washington, DCSkills
- Procurement strategies
- Contract negotiation
- Documentation review
- Risk mitigation
- Legal compliance
- Contracting policies and regulations
- Contract administration
- Contract proposals
Certification
- Federal Acquisition Certificate in Contracting (FAC-C) Level III
- Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) Level III
Timeline
Contract Specialist/Procurement Policy Analyst
General Services Administration, GSA -Public Buildings Service (PBS) Acquisition Policy and Compliance (APAC)
05.2020 - Current
Contract Specialist
United States Agency for International Development, USAID - Office of Acquisition and Assistance
04.2009 - 05.2020
Budget Analyst/Program Analyst/Compliance Officer
District Of Columbia Government-Office of Chief Financial Officer/Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD)/ NCRC - DC Instrumentality
06.2002 - 04.2009
MBA - Finance/International Business
New York University
BBA - Accounting
Howard University
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