VICKI KEEN
Meridian,ID
Summary
Experienced leadership professional with a strong focus on collaboration and achieving results. Prepared to guide teams effectively, ensuring a flexible approach to changing needs. Proficient in acquisition, project management, conflict resolution, and strategic planning. Brings a reliable and flexible approach to fostering a cohesive and productive team environment. Strong track record in negotiating and managing complex agreements. Known for fostering effective team collaboration and delivering results in dynamic environments. Skills in risk assessment, compliance, and stakeholder communication ensure seamless contract execution and management. Adaptable and reliable, with a focus on achieving organizational goals and exceeding expectations.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
Work History
Senior Contracting Officer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA
06.2023 - Current
- Maintains an unlimited warrant, administering a portfolio of over $800 Million in complex, multi-year-year contracts to include Firm Fixed Price, Time & Materials and Cost Reimbursable as well as hybrid IT contracts
- Experienced in interpreting and applying Federal Acquisition Regulation, Policies and procedures as they relate to organizational and other federal acquisition activities
- Solicits, awards and administers complex multi-million-dollar contract actions
- Provides organizational oversight in contracting negotiations, administration, proposal reviews, and price and cost analysis
- Leads assigned staff by evaluating work performance, giving counsel and advice as well as training to develop skill level and address performance issues
- Reduced contract processing time with thorough analysis and timely decision making
- Evaluates the logical and effective sequence of draft and final report narrative of legal and contract documents
- Promotes a positive work environment by fostering teamwork, open communication, and employee recognition initiatives.
- Advises contractors concerning contract law and contract provisions when necessary
- Manages risks and mitigated potential issues through proactive planning, monitoring, and timely decision making.
- Serves on the CO advisory group developing standard operating procedures and templates within the Division as it pertains to the acquisition life cycle.
- Served as a role model for the team by demonstrating commitment to excellence, professionalism, and adherence to company values at all times.
Supervising Contracting Officer/Team Leader
USDA Forest Service
07.2022 - 06.2023
- Warranted Supervisory Contracting Officer $50 Million warrant with a portfolio of complex, multi-year, multi-million-dollar acquisitions to include supplies, services, construction, and A&E
- Performs the full range of supervisory duties including recruitment and retention, training, approval of time sheets and leave requests, employee performance plans and evaluations, and disciplinary actions
- Assigns, monitors, and reviews Contract Specialist workload, and provides signatory authority as well as being the source selection authority on all awards
- Leads assigned staff by evaluating work performance, giving counsel and advice as well as training to develop skill level and address performance issues
- Evaluates the logical and effective sequence of draft and final report narrative of legal and contract documents
- Provides organizational oversight in contracting negotiations, administration, proposal reviews, and price and cost analysis
- Develops and implements procurement programs and plans, giving due consideration to the needs of the customer
- Reviews supply, equipment, and service and construction requirements of program officials to determine the best method of procurement
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans for high-value contracts, mitigating potential issues before they arose.
- Experienced in interpreting and applying Federal Acquisition Regulation, Policies and procedures as they relate to organizational and other federal acquisition activities
- Solicits, and evaluates proposals, negotiates, and awards contracts for services, supplies, equipment, and other materials
- Streamlined invoice processing to expedite payments, maintaining strong relationships with suppliers and contractors.
- Managed complex contracts to achieve optimal results, balancing organizational needs with regulatory compliance.
- Proactively addressed potential disputes or conflicts within contracts, working closely with legal counsel when necessary to resolve matters in a timely fashion.
- Increased supplier diversity by actively seeking out small businesses and minority-owned suppliers for contracting opportunities.
- Advises contractors concerning contract law and contract provisions when necessary
- Assists attorney in preparation of appeals cases
- Improved overall contracting operations through regular performance assessments and implementation of best practices.
- Served as lead negotiator and business contact for partner procurement process.
- Identified areas for improvement in current contracting processes, proposing innovative solutions that led to increased efficiency.
- Practiced risk mitigation strategies, drafting preventive contract terms and resolving disagreements during negotiations.
- Ensured contract compliance by conducting regular audits of contractor performance against established benchmarks.
- Negotiated favorable contract terms for the organization, ensuring cost savings and mutual benefits.
Contracting Officer
Forest Service, Incident Procurement, Aviation
04.2021 - 07.2022
- Warranted Contracting Officer with a $50 Million warrant with a portfolio of complex, multi-year, multi-million-dollar acquisitions
- Proactively addressed potential disputes or conflicts within contracts, working closely with legal counsel when necessary to resolve matters in a timely fashion.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify potential suppliers and evaluate their capabilities.
- Secured advantageous pricing by skillfully negotiating volume discounts with suppliers during contract negotiations.
- Facilitated effective communication between stakeholders throughout the contracting process, ensuring smooth execution of projects from inception to completion.
- Mentored junior Contracting Officers in best practices and provided guidance on complex contracting issues as needed.
- Evaluated the narrative of legal and contract documents prepared by lower level Contract Specialists
- Served as the Source Selection Authority on a wide range of procurement and contract types
- Conducted necessary inspections to ensure compliance by contractors
- Approved or disapproved progress payments, special payments on fixed-price contracts, requests for overtime, proposed subcontractors, and other special requests
- Advised contractors concerning contract law and contract provisions when necessary
- Prepared detailed findings and documentation in cases of dispute over contract terms or specifications
- Handled bid protests, referring protest appeals to Comptroller General or courts
- Worked with all stakeholders to resolve different points of view, conflicting goals, and objectives through compromise or the development of suitable alternatives
- Authored and/or reviewed Evaluation Reports and Audits, letters, Memorandums of record, and various other legal contractual documents.
- Evaluated customer needs and feedback to drive product and service improvements.
Contracting Officer
Bureau of Reclamation
08.2019 - 04.2021
- Warranted Contracting Officer with $10 Million warrant and administered a portfolio that consisted of complex, multi-year, multi-million-dollar construction and A&E acquisitions and Interagency Agreements
- Ensured timely fulfillment of contractual requirements by closely monitoring progress and addressing potential issues proactively.
- Reviewed procurement requests and all relevant documentation to evaluate for clarity, logical determinations and legal ramifications in order to determine and implement the appropriate method of procurement
- Managed full procurement cycle by planning, reviewing, soliciting, awarding, administering and closing out contract to achieve seamless transition at all levels of procurement.
- Negotiated optimal contract terms and conditions to lessen business risk and maximize financial objectives.
- Facilitated productive negotiations between parties by acting as a mediator during disputes resolutions sessions.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to develop comprehensive contract strategies that met business objectives.
- Performed analysis of bids/proposals in response to solicitations, to include adequacy of competition, price reasonableness, compliance with solicitation instructions, and contractor probability of meeting stated financial and technical requirements necessary to perform the contract
- Evaluated prospective contract price by conducting cost and price analysis and performing best value trade off functions
- Collaborated closely with legal counsel during sensitive negotiations to protect organizational interests effectively.
- Performed in-depth market research, identified optimal acquisition strategies and prepared contracts for approval.
Contracting Officer
USDA Forest Service, Incident Support Branch
12.2017 - 08.2019
- Warranted Contracting Officer
- Prepared and issued solicitations, contracts, and agreements applying appropriate contracting laws, standards, regulations, policies, and procedures
- Facilitated effective communication between stakeholders throughout the contracting process, ensuring smooth execution of projects from inception to completion.
- Served as lead negotiator and business contact for partner procurement process to negotiated favorable contract terms for the organization, ensuring cost savings and mutual benefits.
- Evaluated the performance of suppliers and recommended contract renewals or terminations based on a thorough assessment of their capabilities and past performance.
- Increased supplier diversity by actively seeking out small businesses and minority-owned suppliers for contracting opportunities.
- Reduced contract processing time with thorough analysis and timely decision making.
- Maintained accurate records of all contractual agreements to ensure proper documentation for future reference or audits.
- Optimized customer experience by delivering superior services and effectively troubleshooting issues.
- Analyzed spend data to identify opportunities for consolidation or process improvements, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiencies
Purchase Agent
USDA Forest Service AQM Region 4
07.2016 - 08.2017
- Warranted Purchasing Agent
- Expedited critical orders when needed, resolving potential delays and ensuring timely delivery of key materials.
- Analyzed contract requirements to determine the appropriate contract type and develop procurement plans to provide the best method of procurement
- Reduced procurement lead times with effective communication and coordination between suppliers and internal departments.
- Awarded contracts, purchase orders, task and delivery orders
- Monitored contractor performance for compliance with all contract requirements
- Performed contract administration such as modifications, change orders, exercising options and processing progress payments
- Sourced and qualified bidders, obtained favorable pricing and finalized contracts.
- Coordinated with legal department to review contracts for accuracy, completeness, and adherence to relevant laws and regulations.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify new suppliers, resulting in improved product quality and pricing options.
Procurement Technician
USDA Forest Service, Incident Procurement
09.2013 - 07.2016
- Analyzed spend data to identify opportunities for consolidation or process improvements, resulting in reduced costs and increased efficiencies.
- Ensured compliance with procurement policies and procedures, minimizing risk exposure for the organization.
- Maintained accurate documentation for all procurement transactions, ensuring proper record-keeping and adherence to regulatory requirements.
- Reduced lead times by implementing effective inventory management practices.
- Conducted market research to identify potential suppliers, enhancing the organization''s understanding of industry trends and pricing structures.
Education
Bachelor's degree - Government Contracting and Acquisition (BA)
American Military University
Charles Town, WV12.2019
Skills
- Client-Centric Approach
- Coaching Expertise
- Ethical Business Practices
- Cost Optimization Techniques
- Regulatory Adherence
- Contract Negotiation
- Risk Mitigation Strategies
- Strategic Development
- Conflict Resolution
- Analytical thinking
- Effective Team Leadership
- Detail-Oriented Approach
- Effective Time Management
Timeline
Senior Contracting Officer
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, NOAA
06.2023 - Current
Supervising Contracting Officer/Team Leader
USDA Forest Service
07.2022 - 06.2023
Contracting Officer
Forest Service, Incident Procurement, Aviation
04.2021 - 07.2022
Contracting Officer
Bureau of Reclamation
08.2019 - 04.2021
Contracting Officer
USDA Forest Service, Incident Support Branch
12.2017 - 08.2019
Purchase Agent
USDA Forest Service AQM Region 4
07.2016 - 08.2017
Procurement Technician
USDA Forest Service, Incident Procurement
09.2013 - 07.2016
Bachelor's degree - Government Contracting and Acquisition (BA)
American Military University
Recent Awards
- 12/01/2025 Raise for Outstanding Performance Evaluation
- 08/11/24 Individual Cash Award for Outstanding Support
- 06/02/24 Individual Cash Award for Outstanding Support
- 06/02/24 Time Off Award for Numerous expressions of gratitude from Program Offices
- 04/15/24 Peer Award
- 12/03/23 Time off Award- Exceptional work on complicated and complex workload
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