Sylvia Edwards
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (WMATA/Metro)
Bowie,Maryland
1
Certification
21
years of professional experience
Detail-oriented professional with expertise in government procurement, policy development, curriculum design, and program management. Proven leader in customer service and project management, skilled in strategic planning and compliance. Former Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice and Legislative Counsel with the Council of the District of Columbia.
Strong leader and problem-solver dedicated to streamlining operations to decrease costs and promote organizational efficiency. Uses independent decision-making skills and sound judgment to positively impact company success.
Work History
Director, Small Business Programs Office
4 Years- Led program management initiatives focused on policy development and training.
- Developed and executed a comprehensive management and oversight plan to ensure the successful implementation of WMATA’s Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program, and the Small Local Preference Program (SLBPP) consistent with federal regulations.
- Created a comprehensive Small Business Programs Office designed to streamline and simplify the collection and reporting of WMATA’s annual and semi-annual DBE, SBE, and SBLPP program data to the Federal Transit Administration and to the General Manager.
- Directed development of online application process for DBE, SBE, and SBLPP programs. Managed collection of contract award data for disadvantaged, small, and minority-owned businesses. Prepared policy manual for DBE program and developed policies and procedures for WMATA web-based training modules and related training materials for delivery to DBE, SBE, and SBLPP businesses and organizations.
- Delivered expert training and group facilitation for WMATA DBE, SBE, and SBLPP program training initiatives and special projects to support program readiness.
- Provided primary technical subject matter expertise for small minority women and veteran-owned business program national standards, best practices, and policy to support development and finalization of administrative regulatory initiatives and policies with District of Columbia government and Federal Transit Administration.
- Developed WMATA annual goals for small business participation for operating and federal funds.
- Coordinated DBE liaison activities for 12 years, representing WMATA across engagement with Federal Transit Administration, District of Columbia government, and WMATA General Manager.
- Managed compliance efforts while resolving conflicts effectively.
- Developed position descriptions and staffed DBE/SBE and SBLPP program help desk to support business procurement strategic planning.
- Designed agency-focused reporting and training framework, standardizing compliance expectations for DBE, SBE, and SBLPP program requirements.
- Facilitated structured mediation for high-volume contract-related protests, disputes, and complaints involving minority and/or small businesses.
- Served as WMATA Disadvantage Business Enterprise Liaison Officer (DBELO), managing liaison activities for DBE applicants and firms, coordinating with transportation-related and community and business groups, and ensuring compliance with DOT federal and state assisted contracts under 49 C.F.R. Part 26.
- Developed and drafted Corrective Action Plans (CAPs), coordinating completion and compliance with Federal Transit Administration Office of the Inspector General and internal compliance findings.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and optimize service delivery across transit systems.
- Implemented data-driven decision-making processes to optimize resource allocation and performance metrics.
- Spearheaded safety and compliance programs, ensuring adherence to federal and state regulations within operations.
- Mentored senior staff and developed leadership programs fostering professional growth within the organization.
- Analyzed ridership trends and demographics, informing policy adjustments and service enhancements for community needs.
- Developed high-performing teams by providing mentorship, guidance, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Enhanced team collaboration through regular communication, goal setting, and performance evaluations.
- Cultivated positive work environment to foster employee engagement, improve retention rates, and raise overall team morale.
- Managed budgets effectively to ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining financial stability.
- Strengthened internal controls by reviewing existing policies and procedures, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Led strategic initiatives to enhance operational efficiency and service reliability across transit systems.
Supervisor of Policy, Office of Procurement
8 Years- PROGRAM MANAGEMENT, POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND TRAINING
- Established and maintained managerial mechanisms needed to develop, review, assess, evaluate, and implement policies and procedures to ensure that local small businesses are identified, informed, and educated regarding WMATA's opportunities and comply with applicable laws, regulations and policies providing goods and services to WMATA.
- Drafted and updated the new WMATA Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual to ensure compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT), federal, and state assisted contracts as required by 49 C.F.R. Part 26.
- Gathered and analyzed key procurement data using data collection techniques (e.g., downloading transactional data to spreadsheet format) and create metrics in order to report results to the Director of Procurement to be used in business plan and strategy development.
- Conducted complex policy analysis, resulting in the development of strategic recommendations for WMATA to prevent Federal Transit Administration economic sanctions, impacting their transit and procurement activities which included fact gathering, interpreting statutes, regulations, contract provisions and rendered appropriate findings and conclusions.
- Held regular disadvantage, small, and minority business procurement training resulting in steady, consistent growth in numbers of contract awards, and higher average contract award amounts.
- Developed, drafted, and coordinated the completion and compliance with Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and findings from the Federal Transit Administration, Office of the Inspector General, and Internal Compliance.
Procurement Analyst
4 Years- Drafted and updated the new WMATA Procurement Policy and Procedures Manual to ensure compliance with Department of Transportation (DOT), federal, and state assisted contracts as required by 49 C.F.R. Part 26.
- Gathered and analyzed key procurement data using data collection techniques (e.g., downloading transactional data to spreadsheet format) and create metrics reporting results to the Director of Procurement to be used in business plan and strategy development.
- Conducted complex policy analysis, resulting in the development of strategic recommendations for WMATA to prevent Federal Transit Administration economic sanctions, impacting their transit and procurement activities which included fact gathering, interpreting statutes, regulations, contract provisions and rendered appropriate findings and conclusions.
DBE and Compliance Specialist
5 Years- Conducted complex policy analysis, resulting in the development of strategic recommendations for WMATA to prevent Federal Transit Administration economic sanctions, impacting their transit and procurement activities which included fact gathering, interpreting statutes, regulations, contract provisions and rendered appropriate findings and conclusions.
- Conducted DBE and small business certifications for WMATA’s DBE and Small Business programs.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Bachelor of Arts - Education
Juris Doctor
Skills
Fostering collaborative relationships
Effective strategic planning
Clear communication skills
Analytical decision-making
Affiliations
- New York State Bar Association
- Pennsylvania Bar Association
Certification
- Certification in Federal Procurement
- George Mason University | Washington, DC, Certification in Federal Contract Compliance
- Rutgers University | Camden, NJ, Certified EEO Specialist
- U.S. Department of Army | Washington, DC, Certified DBE Specialist
- Federal Transit Administration | Washington, DC, Certification in Small Business Administration
- Small Business Administration | Washington, DC, Certification in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
- Oxford Seminars | Los Angeles, CA
Personal Information
Title: POLICY/PROGRAM/PROJECT MANAGEMENT PROFESSIONAL
Timeline
Director, Small Business Programs Office
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (WMATA/Metro)
01.2017 - 01.2021Read More
Supervisor of Policy, Office of Procurement
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (WMATA/Metro)
01.2009 - 01.2017Read More
Procurement Analyst
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (WMATA/Metro)
01.2005 - 01.2009Read More
DBE and Compliance Specialist
WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA TRANSIT AUTHORITY (WMATA/Metro)
01.2000 - 01.2005Read More
Howard University, School of Law
Juris Doctor
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State University College At Buffalo
Bachelor of Arts from Education
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State University College At Buffalo
Bachelor of Arts from Education
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