TARA BASE

Work History

Support Services Specialist

Department of State

09.2019 - Current

Serves as procurement and contracting specialist for multiple Secretary's Bureau (S Bureau) offices and perform full range of contract administration responsibilities, including incremental funding, rate and cost adjustments, time extensions, and processing change orders
Procures variety of support services for Bureaus directly from Departmental central service providers or from commercial sources through the Department's acquisitions processes
Evaluates requests for validity in terms of their necessity, consistency with bureau plans/budget priorities, and compliance with DOS and government-wide regulations; schedules validated requests; completes necessary documentation; initiates personal contacts with service providers to follow-up on requests
Evaluates and processes all requests for contract staffing, equipment, supplies, construction, and other services; reviews justifications to determine if requested action is economically feasible, consistent with bureau objectives, and if required product/service is available elsewhere within Bureaus or the Department
Liaises between Acquisitions Management's (AQM) contracting officers, customers, and Executive Office's (EX) leadership to establish requirements and provide input in support of S Bureau's overall procurement plan
Assists customers in developing compelling justifications (narrative and quantitative)
Conducts market research and contact potential vendors to investigate cost and availability of products and services
Obtains price quotations and negotiate delivery schedules with vendors
Recommends courses of action to EX leadership in reference to procurement and contracting
Researches applicable acquisition laws and regulations to ensure that S Bureau acquisitions are in compliance
Assists GSO leadership in analyzing procurement workflow and processes for S Bureau offices; develops guidelines, policies, and procedures based on these analyses that improves procurement process
Serves as FAC-COR Level II Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) on all assigned contracts that support multiple S Bureau offices
Maintains electronic files using spreadsheets and similar tools; maintains organized paper files that are readily accessible to peers and GSO leadership
Items tracked on contracts include periods of performance, statements of work, funding, contract modifications, invoices, correspondence, and contractor performance and personnel status
Submits contract modifications to contracting officers as necessary to ensure contracts meet proper standard throughout periods of performance
Accepts goods and services as receiving officer
Tracks accepted and rejected deliveries
Approves or rejects all invoices and requests for payment and obtains backup documentation as needed to process invoices
Assists in developing end of year (EOY) procurement list for client offices to ensure all overages of funding are expended
Solicits requests from offices, evaluates and helps strengthen justifications, and recommend inclusion or exclusion from the bureau-wide list
Assists in the plans of office moves for S Bureau clients
Oversees projects, contractors, and other implementing partners
Manages multiple simultaneous projects with dollar values up to $7M
Coordinates telephone and copier services for client offices
Studies offices' needs, including types of equipment required and appropriate location
Obtains funding approval
Submits “Telephone Service Requests” (TSR) for telephone and cabling needs and track accurate delivery of requested services
Reviews and distributes monthly telephone bills, including mobile phone bills
Seeks review and payment authorization from client offices
Performs day-to-day procurement operations, ensures compliance with acquisition policies, and serves as procurement subject matter expert through training and assisting peers
Plans out daily workload to be accomplished; sets and adjusts short-term priorities; and prepares realistic completion of work goals for each assigned program office
Advances domestic SECSTATE travel, coordinating hotel logistics, vehicle rentals, contract preparation, review and execution ensuring Secretary's unique security and communications requirements are met.
Implements effective strategies for improving customer relationships and increasing satisfaction levels
Provided training to new staff members on software applications and other operational procedures.
Increased contractor retention rates through proactive follow-ups and consistent communication regarding task order updates with contract company and program offices.
Trained junior support specialists on company policies and best practices, fostering teamwork and improving overall departmental performance metrics.

Staff Assistant

Department of State

02.2019 - 09.2019

Maintained and coordinated senior executive manager's travels, speaking engagements, and interviews schedules, day-to-day meeting agendas and vacation schedule
Created, managed and reviewed international and domestic travels through E2 Travel System as Travel Arranger for SEAS (Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Antisemitism) office travel and White House senior executives
Provided professional advice and assistance to organizations personnel, regarding content and interpretation of policies and guidelines covering such matters as correspondence, travel, and daily operations
Organized, created, and managed daily operational schedules for stateside and abroad with government and non-government organizations
Planned and coordinated official meetings and recorded detailed meeting minutes
Drafted and disseminated high profile email correspondence, action memos, letters, faxes, forms, and files
Developed and maintained office filing systems for Time and Attendance, travel authorizations, travel vouchers and other critical documentation
Updated and maintained office policies, operational procedures, and guidelines
Managed, secured, and accounted for office's supplies and equipment
Coordinated and provided general and select support to visitors, dignitaries, and foreign representatives
Liaised for Office of Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism to Department of State internal bureaus, external corporate non-government organizations, civil society organizations, external U.S government agencies and foreign governments
Coordinated with non-government corporate executives' officers and senior administrative assistants to handle requests, queries and inquiries for senior managers
Scheduled time-sensitive and mission critical meetings for Special Envoy and planned domestic and overseas travel
Researched and compiled information and assembled briefing books
Coordinated with control officers in US embassies to schedule meetings, reserved hotel rooms and arranged other on ground logistics

Dog Tag Fellow

Dog Tag Bakery

07.2018 - 11.2018

Planned and designed innovative marketing strategies to increase sales
Worked in peer and leader level team-oriented planning sessions
Reviewed financial budgets and participated in writing and editing grant requests
Assisted in planning, coordinating, and executing production schedules for catered events
Developed and implemented strategic initiatives to improve organizational effectiveness, efficiency, and growth
Assisted with development of marketing materials aimed at increasing sales revenue
Wrote successful grant proposals that were used to gain funding to further and expand fellow program capabilities.

Background Investigator

KeyPoint Government Solutions

05.2017 - 11.2017

Conducted comprehensive on-site interviews with subjects, employers, associates, references, and other individuals to complete time sensitive investigations
Compiled findings and submitted individualized reports back to clients for employment offer determinations
Interviewed and researched individual's backgrounds through in-person meetings
Ensured that investigation results were treated with highest confidentiality and handled with proper sensitivity
Took witnesses into confidential one-on-one, interviews, and recorded vital national security information.

Automated Switching Systems Operator/Maintainer

United States Army

01.1989 - 01.2014

Provided base level Telephony and IT support to company, battalion, and theater-level personnel
Diagnosed equipment malfunctions and completed repairs to restore equipment and maintain uptime
Rebuilt and repaired printed circuit boards for DGM equipment
Installed, repaired and removed Digital Group Multiplexer systems, Mobile Subscriber Equipment and Enhanced Position Location and Reporting System, including pulling wire, device termination and mounting back boxes
Performed monthly, semi-annual, and annual Preventive Maintenance Checks and Services (PMCS)
Conducted annual equipment inventory and maintained 100% accountability of weapons and equipment.

Battalion Victim Advocate SHARP Representative

United States Army

11.2012 - 11.2013

Trained hundreds of seniors, peers, and subordinates on Sexual Harassment and Assault Response Program (SHARP)
Conducted small and large group activities based on differentiated learning needs and evolving SHARP Program
Connected clients with vital community resources and provided support
Presented over 40(+) hours of hands-on activities, training, and briefings.
Advocated for victims'' rights during court proceedings, ensuring that their voices were heard throughout the legal process.
Served as a liaison between crime victims and relevant legal professionals, ensuring clear communication and understanding of the victim''s needs throughout the process.
Improved victim support services by establishing a strong rapport and providing emotional assistance to crime victims.

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility Manager

United States Army

08.2011 - 10.2013

Conducted and coordinated Information Technology Facilities inspections quarterly with Battalion and Brigade Security Managers
Documented, processed, and secured classified materials and equipment
Worked with equipment manufacturing companies to develop and manage improvement programs designed to address quality, service, and pricing
Set up facility project priorities and deadlines; scheduled projects and tasks based on priorities and in consideration of contract constraints and personnel requirements
Managed, advised, and assisted in the areas of discipline, adverse actions, grievances, performance management, award/reward recognition, employee evaluations and related functions
Oversaw participation and development of Command guidelines, plans, policies, and procedures in a full range of civilian personnel program areas (e.g., personnel staffing, position management and classification)
Provided Senior Human Resources Manager support for over eighty-five civilians and 175 military employees.
Coordinated with cleaning and janitorial services to keep facility clean and presentable for occupants.
Coordinated with vendors and contractors to arrange services and repairs to be completed on time and to desired quality levels.
Managed a team of technicians, providing training and guidance for improved performance and professional development.

Executive Assistant to G-33 Director

United States Army

08.2010 - 07.2011

Maintained and coordinated executive and senior management calendars, to include daily meeting agendas, travel coordination and vacation schedules
Created, managed, and reviewed all travel through Defense Travel System as Approving Official and Reviewer
Provided high level logistical support to senior leadership for conference planning to include hotel reservations, room event planning, and mission scheduling
Provided advice and assistance to organizations personnel, regarding content and interpretation of policies and guidelines covering such matters as correspondence, travel, and daily operations
Handled complex transactions, verified personnel information, and obtained security clearances for new personnel
Kept record of defense travels and helped management design transportation policies and procedures
Planned and oversaw office moves for newly assigned organization's staffing office
Oversaw project managers, contractors, and other implementing partners for Army Cyber Command, Fort Belvoir, Virginia
Managed high profile projects with dollar values up to $1M
Liaised with executive and senior administrative assistants to handle requests and queries from senior managers.
Handled confidential and sensitive information with discretion and tact.
Managed executive calendars, scheduling meetings and appointments and coordinating travel arrangements to optimize time.

Training Manager

United States Army

07.2008 - 08.2010

Developed and managed annual Information Assurance training budgets for forty military and fifty Department of Army Civilians and Contractors for NETCOM tenant organization at Fort Belvoir, Virginia location
Developed and improved work processes through innovative ideas, thoughts and experience
Actively used continuous improvement tools to improve Health, Safety & Environment quality, delivery, financial performance, employee engagement, and customer satisfaction
Established relationships with INSCOM department managers to offer support and improve services for their satellite organization
Liaised with senior leadership, task managers and budget section to resolve issues within task orders as well to ensure contractual requests were within compliance with department rules and regulations
Recommended procurement objectives in terms of competition and price range to project managers and organizational developers
Vigorously trained all new personnel, contractors and officer augmentees on Department of Defense and Department of Army annual mandated training requirements.
Built and maintained successful relationships with equipment contract service providers, dealers and consumers.
Updated spreadsheets and databases to track, analyze, and report on training budget posture.
Developed strong relationships with vendors leading to improved contract terms resulting in cost savings for the US Army.
Managed new employee orientation training process for more than 60 employees each year.
Established a culture of continuous learning, promoting professional development opportunities for all employees across the organization.
Communicated all learning and performance objectives, schedules, and training assessments to upper management.

Summary

Overview

Work History

Support Services Specialist

Staff Assistant

Dog Tag Fellow

Background Investigator

Automated Switching Systems Operator/Maintainer

Battalion Victim Advocate SHARP Representative

Sensitive Compartmented Information Facility Manager

Executive Assistant to G-33 Director

Training Manager

Education

Some College (No Degree) - Computer Science And Programming

Bachelor of Arts - Hospitality Management

AAS - Advanced Culinary Arts

Skills

Certification

Military Service

Timeline

Similar Profiles

Kevin AmoakoKevin Amoako

Pamela ChasePamela Chase

Nicholas ColeNicholas Cole

Katherine Weakley LugoKatherine Weakley Lugo

Shalonda TompkinsShalonda Tompkins