Valerie Cockman
Del City,OK
Summary
Dedicated and results-driven professional with eight years of experience in the United States Air Force, specializing in contract management, procurement, and project oversight. Proven ability to manage multiple contracts, optimize spending, and lead teams in high-pressure environments. Seeking to transition into the acquisitions industry, leveraging expertise in government contracting, negotiation, and compliance.
Knowledgeable Contracting Officer with a solid foundation in contract lifecycles, emphasizing negotiation, drafting, compliance, supervising, and managing work centers to ensure operational efficiency. Proven track record of optimizing workflows and enhancing team productivity. Demonstrated proficiency in coordinating tasks and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Work Center Supervisor
United States Air Force
09.2023 - 10.2025
- Supervised a team of 5 personnel, managing daily operations and ensuring mission success in a fast-paced environment.
- Coordinated with four geographically separated Contracting units to facilitate the first-ever intensive & realistic 6-day deployment training environment for over 90 personnel, maximizing contingency contracting experience and broadening the entire unit's Mission Ready Airman capabilities while building cohesive leadership & career competencies across four states.
- Developed training plan by designing a learner-centric blueprint embedding Contracting upgrade skill level tasks & warrant board requirements for 31 members, accelerating upgrade certification by 30% & increasing pool of qualified warrant holders, expanding Division's buying power to maintain weapon system readiness for over 500 transient aircraft.
Contracting Officer
United States Air Force
01.2023 - 10.2025
- Managed $99M Civil Engineering Services contract supporting 31,000 personnel at Tinker AFB, optimizing operations across 425 facilities.
- Oversaw a $7.8M portfolio as a Contingency Contracting Officer and was essential for MSAB's expansion, realizing the base's $2.3B master plan and CENTCOM's Western Access Network initiative in support of Inherent Resolve. She enabled 2 real-world ACE missions, secured three Squadron Airman of the Month awards, and one Team of the Month Award.
- Recovered $3.4M in FY24 funding by resolving an 8-year, 36-contract backlog.
- Developed Red Tail Village infrastructure project; coordinated with 6 agencies to develop the requirements package and steward $54K for critical materials and equipment, managed the grand opening 6-months early.
- Led the 3-member government purchase card team, guiding 50 wing resource advisors to rapidly execute 335 transactions valued at $1.7M, providing streamlined acquisition capability to 25 units and 5 forward operating locations.
Contract Specialist
United States Air Force
08.2021 - 01.2023
- Managed 16 contract actions totaling $8M, identifying and correcting a $584K payroll discrepancy.
- Delivered $160K in IT contracts, securing 40 tablets for 25,000 students, updating a 7-year-old tech environment, and enhancing hybrid work capabilities.
- Authored 4 Statements of Requirements (SORs) for a $5.1K lactation room project, improving the quality of life for 4,900 women.
- Managed $3.5M JROTC Rifle acquisition; recognized outdated equipment: vetted irresponsible vendor facilitated '11th hour' End of Year buy
- Selected for the 6-member 'EOY Quick Reaction Force' which enabled 26 initiatives worth $1.2M and the 42d ABW to beta-test Slack. She was vital to unlocking an encrypted device forum for the 2024 Airshow.
Air Traffic Controller Apprentice
United States Air Force
12.2017 - 08.2021
- Trained in air traffic control, ensuring safe and efficient management of aircraft and base operations.
- Promoted to Senior Airman in February 2019 for exemplary performance and technical expertise.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Information Technology
Arizona State University
Tempe, AZ12-2026
Skills
- Management of contract compliance
- Leadership training
- Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite
- Conflict resolution abilities
- Negotiation expertise
- Verbal/written communication
- Quick learner
- Problem-solving
Certification
- Department of Defense Secret Clearance
- Back to Basics Certification
- Contracting Officer Test (COT)
Timeline
Work Center Supervisor
United States Air Force
09.2023 - 10.2025
Contracting Officer
United States Air Force
01.2023 - 10.2025
Contract Specialist
United States Air Force
08.2021 - 01.2023
Air Traffic Controller Apprentice
United States Air Force
12.2017 - 08.2021
Bachelor of Science - Graphic Information Technology
Arizona State University
Community Engagement
- Volunteer, 2021, 2021, Volunteer: Montgomery Zoo (2021), Biscuit Stadium (2021), E.A.T South (2022), Paycom Center/Thunder OKC (2024)
- Contributor, 2022, Present, Contributor: “Lasagna Love” (2022 – Present), providing meals to families across the U.S.
Leadership and Training Development
- Designed and implemented a training blueprint for 30 personnel, accelerating certifications by 30% and bolstering unit readiness.
- Spearheaded office inaugural Booster Club as Vice President, organizing 10 volunteer hours, and 2 morale events
- Coordinated a 6-day deployment training course for 90 personnel across 4 bases, enhancing contingency contracting and leadership capabilities.
Key Achievements and Awards
Airman of the Quarter (AoTQ), Team of the Month, and Distinguished Graduate for leadership and mission-critical contributions., Recipient of Air and Space Achievement and Commendation Medals (Aug 2023 and Sept 2023)., Multiple Letters of Appreciation and Awards for exemplary performance and volunteering.
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