Marva Smith-Williams
Upper Marlboro,MD
Summary
Over 20 years of expertise in contract and acquisition management for government and commercial sectors, with a proven track record in leading high-performing teams for more than 5 years. Extensive experience in business process re-engineering and managing significant acquisition programs, including defense weapon systems and federal IT services. Proficient in all facets of procurement, from pre-award to post-award activities, with a strong focus on developing comprehensive procurement packages such as acquisition strategies, RFPs, and statements of work. This unique blend of skills ensures effective sourcing decisions and robust contract execution tailored to meet organizational goals.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
Work History
Contracts Manager
The MITRE Corporation
07.2024 - Current
- Facilitated contract operations as the sole point of contact for VP/FFRDC director, collaborating with contracts team to improve workflow efficiency.
- Managed contract oversight to foster effective partnerships with MITRE leadership and support strategic goals.
- Streamlined reporting processes to enhance inter-organizational communication regarding contract lifecycle progress to VP/FFRDC Director.
- Delivered alignment on FFRDC and center business model strategies through focused guidance and collaboration. Enhanced business planning and financial control processes, significantly improving forecasting accuracy for rates and fee structures. Secured successful results in major contract proposals for FFRDC renewals, recompetes, and new pursuits, driving organizational growth.
- Engaged with Center VP and Managing Director to oversee sponsor and agency contracting officer interactions, ensuring comprehensive agreement management.
- Enhanced collaboration through the establishment of strong partnerships with sponsor companies and internal mission stakeholders. Influenced decision-making by providing strategic advice to center and FFRDC senior leadership on key initiatives.
- Spearheaded initiatives with legal, financial services, security, and subcontract partners to develop and implement compliant operational practices.
- Oversaw negotiation and administration of diverse contracts and agreements, strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders including state and local entities.
- Led modernization and automation of contracting processes through strategic use of tools and technology to drive efficiency improvements. Formulated and executed enhancements and best practices that advanced Mitre's strategic objectives and corporate contracting initiatives.
- Formulated detailed reporting contract strategy and implemented compliance framework to support program leadership objectives.
- Oversaw risk reduction initiatives in contract management through proactive identification and implementation of mitigation strategies. Led successful audit processes by comprehensively addressing audit findings. Drove a deeper understanding of corporate finance interactions with contract functions, significantly influencing forecasting and optimizing fee structures.
- Oversaw the enhancement of contract lifecycle management for FFRDC/Center contracts, fostering effective operational practices and robust training frameworks. Mentored junior contract administration staff, transforming them into capable team contributors through focused guidance.
- Directed a team of six contracts professionals to achieve objectives through effective guidance and constructive feedback.
- Consistently aligned team goals and KPIs with organizational objectives, monitoring progress regularly. Enhanced team skills and career trajectories through regular one-on-one coaching and performance evaluations. Achieved deadlines and maintained quality standards by strategically planning, prioritizing, and assigning tasks.
- Analyzed team metrics to identify performance issues and implemented targeted improvement strategies.
- Cultivated a culture of collaboration and accountability, driving continuous team improvement.
- Managed conflicts and performance challenges effectively, ensuring timely and fair resolutions.
- Accelerated onboarding of new team members through comprehensive mentorship and training programs.
- Partnered with cross-functional teams to successfully drive key business initiatives.
- Streamlined workflows and processes to enhance operational efficiency and minimize errors.
- Optimized team capacity by balancing staffing, scheduling, and workload distribution.
- Communicated essential policy changes and strategic priorities to secure team buy-in and understanding.
- Motivated high performance through recognition and reward programs that highlighted team contributions.
- Delivered comprehensive performance reports and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
- Led cross-functional team initiatives to refine contract review workflows, improving overall efficiency and collaboration.
- Oversaw detailed contract negotiations, emphasizing adherence to organizational policies and regulatory compliance throughout the process.
- Analyzed and improved contract management workflows, leading to increased efficiency and decreased risk exposure.
- Analyzed contract performance metrics to enhance operational efficiency and drive strategic initiatives.
- Enhanced junior staff skills in contract negotiation and management to support organizational effectiveness through mentorship on industry best practices.
- Facilitated training sessions aimed at enhancing stakeholder understanding of contractual obligations and compliance standards.
- Evaluated market trends to enhance strategic insights for effective contract negotiations and renewals.
- Facilitated vendor communication and collaboration to support alignment with corporate strategies.
- Developed and maintained strategic relationships with external partners, promoting collaboration and trust for upcoming projects.
- Conducted thorough analysis of client needs and negotiated favorable contract terms, resulting in enhanced cost savings and risk mitigation strategies.
- Collaborated on crafting comprehensive proposals for new business initiatives, focusing on innovative contracting solutions that set offerings apart in the industry.
- Provided expert advice on contract interpretation and application to uphold adherence to organizational policies.
- Coordinated subcontractor operations, guaranteeing compliance with contractual agreements and timely fulfillment of goods and services.
- Optimized contract workflows by establishing and integrating standardized templates and procedures for improved operational efficiency.
- Developed and implemented effective monitoring systems aimed at timely resolution of potential contractual challenges.
- Conducted analysis of current market trends and best practices to refine contracting methods and guarantee adherence to regulations.
- Engaged legal counsel to assess and develop thorough risk evaluations for critical contracts, ensuring protection of organizational assets.
- Designed and executed targeted training initiatives focused on contract management best practices, equipping colleagues with essential skills for successful agreement navigation.
Contracts Administrator, Senior Advisor
Peraton, Inc.
12.2022 - 07.2024
- Achieved full contract compliance with FAA and DOL standards through diligent solicitation and RFP reviews. Enhanced contract obligation awareness across multiple offices by providing expert support in contracting initiatives. Drove project success by delivering accurate and thorough proposals and bids, showcasing outstanding attention to detail.
- Managed contract negotiation processes, emphasizing rigorous compliance with federal regulations.
- Facilitated contract negotiation processes, maintaining strict compliance with federal regulatory requirements.
- Created and managed detailed contract documentation to facilitate efficient tracking and accurate reporting.
- Coordinated efforts with cross-functional teams to refine procurement strategies and enhance vendor relations.
- Assessed contract terms for precision, pinpointing risks and formulating effective mitigation strategies.
- Spearheaded efforts to refine contract management systems, aiming to elevate operational effectiveness.
- Conducted comprehensive analysis of market trends to enhance effectiveness of contract negotiations and renewals.
- Coordinated interactions among legal, finance, and operational teams to effectively manage and fulfill contractual responsibilities.
- Coordinated stakeholder discussions to review project advancements and address any contractual challenges.
- Evaluated and tracked contract budgets and expenditures, maintaining financial integrity and accountability from project initiation to completion.
- Engaged with legal counsel to address disputes and ensure clarity in contractual language, thereby reducing potential liabilities.
- Developed and executed efficient documentation and tracking systems to improve contract processing workflows.
- Analyzed contractual compliance through audits, recognizing opportunities for improvement and applying corrective actions to address identified issues.
- Oversaw assessment of contractor work to ensure operational excellence and adherence to quality standards.
- Designed and sustained a centralized contracts database to streamline access and improve workflow efficiency.
- Collaborated in crafting detailed proposals and bids, contributing to successful contract awards and organizational growth.
- Mentored junior staff on best practices in contract administration to enhance team expertise.
- Engaged with financial managers to enhance strategic business development efforts.
- Evaluated vendor compliance with contractual terms to identify areas for improvement and ensure optimal service delivery.
- Collaborated on business development initiatives aimed at forging strategic partnerships to support company growth objectives.
- Optimized contract generation procedures to support timely project execution.
- Fostered strong vendor relationships through proactive communication and efficient problem-solving strategies.
- Collected and evaluated subcontractor pricing information to enhance project development strategies.
- Directed efforts to renegotiate existing contracts, ensuring enhanced terms without sacrificing quality or adherence to delivery schedules.
- Facilitated negotiations to achieve cost savings and elevate service standards.
- Engaged with cross-functional teams to create tailored contract solutions that address unique project requirements.
- Conducted research on industry trends and regulations, applying insights to refine contracting methodologies within the organization.
- Managed administration of [number] new contracts to maintain financial oversight on values between $[number] and $[number].
- Analyzed contracts and performed risk assessments to identify and reduce potential legal liabilities.
- Executed thorough due diligence on target companies' contracts to support successful mergers and acquisitions.
- Compiled and distributed reports on contract performance and compliance to ensure adherence to standards.
- Reviewed incoming contracts and service agreements to maintain compliance with pricing standards and information accuracy.
- Analyzed existing contract management workflows and established refined processes to enhance operational performance.
- Conducted thorough reviews and revisions of contracts, maintaining high standards of accuracy and completeness.
- Analyzed contract issues and delivered targeted solutions to facilitate dispute resolution.
- Identified and assessed risks related to contract alterations, informing management of critical concerns to safeguard against liabilities.
- Documented contract milestones and informed stakeholders to promote effective project management and alignment.
- Designed and assembled solicitation packages to enhance bid competitiveness through detailed research.
- Reviewed and validated contract processes to maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
- Created and implemented training resources aimed at enhancing consistency in contract management practices.
- Supervised contract processes for diverse departments, integrating manual and automated approaches to streamline workflows.
- Collected, structured, and inputted information into database system to support efficient data management.
- Elevated service quality to optimize customer satisfaction and address concerns promptly.
- Conducted evaluations of customer needs and feedback to facilitate continuous improvement in products and services.
- Analyzed data to generate detailed reports that inform strategic decision-making.
- Performed systematic evaluations of operational processes to identify and implement improvements.
- Optimized database systems for effective tracking and comprehensive analysis of operational metrics.
- Designed and implemented effective improvement plans to enhance operational efficiency and meet specified objectives.
- Recommended strategic improvements to business systems and procedures to effectively address changing demands.
- Analyzed existing operations and established new procedures to improve overall productivity.
- Compiled and presented forecast analysis and ad-hoc reports to support data-driven decision-making initiatives.
- Contributed to the creation of detailed technical financial models aimed at evaluating potential acquisition opportunities.
- Facilitated collaboration among diverse teams to create strategic initiatives aimed at improving operational efficiency.
- Provided strategic advice to senior management on risk assessments and effective mitigation strategies to enhance project outcomes.
- Conducted stakeholder engagement sessions aimed at collecting requirements and ensuring project alignment.
- Enhanced operational efficiency through the adoption of best practices, leading to improved service delivery.
- Facilitated mentorship for junior advisors to enhance skills and promote collaborative learning within teams.
- Performed in-depth analyses to support informed decision-making and facilitate organizational change initiatives.
- Analyzed client needs and developed personalized solutions to achieve optimal outcomes.
- Analyzed data and presented strategic reports that guided executive-level decisions and initiatives.
- Facilitated training and mentorship programs to equip team members with skills necessary for outstanding client service.
- Advised clients on industry trends and best practices, fostering strong relationships and informed strategic choices.
- Implemented strategic change management initiatives to optimize organizational performance and support sustainable growth objectives.
- Developed strategic relationships within professional network to enhance lead generation and contribute to long-term growth initiatives.
- Facilitated mentorship for junior advisors, promoting skill enhancement and overall team effectiveness.
- Analyzed and interpreted emerging industry trends and technologies to support strategic investment and partnership initiatives.
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of potential threats to establish effective risk mitigation measures, thereby minimizing adverse effects on overall business performance.
- Analyzed client needs and developed strategic plans to optimize financial outcomes and strengthen relationships.
- Engaged with key stakeholders through regular communication and teamwork to promote shared objectives and success.
- Engaged with clients to strengthen rapport, ensuring sustained loyalty and the establishment of long-term accounts.
- Analyzed operational workflows to pinpoint inefficiencies, leading to the implementation of best practices that enhanced productivity and reduced costs.
- Oversaw design and implementation of personalized solutions, surpassing standard offerings in effectiveness.
Contracts Manager
Leidos, Inc.
10.2019 - 12.2022
- Conducted thorough reviews of FAA solicitations and RFPs, ensuring adherence to contract compliance requirements in alignment with AMS and FAA regulatory standards.
- Oversaw comprehensive reviews of intricate negotiations on proposals, focusing on contract terms, pricing, delivery schedules, and alterations. Managed FAA contracts effectively.
- Supported project managers and teams by clarifying contract stipulations to ensure compliance.
- Provided strategic contracting guidance to various offices and managers to enhance operational effectiveness.
- Collaborated with relevant departments to clarify requirements and guarantee inclusion of all necessary data in proposal submissions.
- Directed the preparation of proposal pricing and the development of cost estimating relationships. Oversaw the administration of multiple FAA contracts, managing scope modifications, performance evaluations, and ensuring compliance with cost and schedule standards. Issued requests for company funds as required to support contract execution.
- Oversaw negotiation support and managed post-award administration until contract closeout. Delivered performance review presentations to FAA stakeholders.
- Monitored and enforced financial controls, ensuring accuracy in financial matters while consistently meeting financial objectives.
- Established strong client relationships to enhance organizational reputation and trust. Enhanced client satisfaction by effectively managing ongoing interactions with existing clients.
- Conducted in-depth evaluations of situations and data to select appropriate methods and techniques for achieving Leidos and FAA objectives.
- Cultivated strong relationships with technical staff and managers while independently managing FAA contract processes, leveraging analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Provided mentorship and leadership to junior contract administration staff to foster professional development.
Sr. Principle Contracts Administrator (Lead)
Northrop Grumman Corporation
05.2019 - 10.2019
- Assessed and interpreted government solicitations and RFPs, guaranteeing adherence to federal contract compliance obligations.
- Facilitated comprehensive reviews and negotiations of intricate proposals, focusing on contract conditions, pricing, and delivery timelines. Oversaw the management of federal contracts to ensure compliance and performance.
- Guided project managers and teams in interpreting contract requirements to enhance project execution.
- Oversaw contracting initiatives across multiple offices and guided managers in the process. Mentored and developed junior contract administration personnel to enhance their skills.
- Achieved timely and complete proposal submissions by meticulously preparing bids and quotations. Fostered collaboration among departments to clarify needs and guarantee all relevant data was included. Developed effective proposal pricing and cost estimating relationships to enhance project budgeting.
- Administered contracts to ensure adherence to performance standards, facilitating cost avoidance and timely completion or termination as needed.
- Conducted thorough evaluations of government and commercial contracts during proposal development to ensure inclusion of all essential elements and adherence to regulatory standards.
- Coordinated negotiations support and oversaw post-award administration, ensuring thorough contract closeout compliance.
- Facilitated performance review presentations to government clients to enhance stakeholder understanding.
- Collaborated on the creation of policies to enhance compliance and operational efficiency for government contracts.
- Implemented and monitored financial controls to safeguard assets and achieve financial objectives.
- Developed and maintained strong connections with high-profile clients and potential clients to drive engagement.
- Facilitated communication and engagement between organizational segment and clients to ensure alignment and support.
- Led efforts in identifying new opportunities while formulating and implementing comprehensive business area development strategies.
- Conducted in-depth evaluations of situations and data to select appropriate methods and techniques for achieving Northrop and customer objectives.
- Formulated solutions to mitigate risks and ensure operational continuity within the company.
- Led initiatives to tackle complex technology and scientific research issues by applying innovative theories and concepts. Championed support from internal stakeholders to facilitate autonomous project operations. Cultivated productive relationships with technical staff and management to enhance collaboration.
- Oversaw a team of four professionals, delivering strategic direction and constructive coaching to enhance team performance.
- Oversaw work allocation and prioritization to meet established deadlines and uphold quality and productivity benchmarks.
- Monitored team performance through data analysis, recognized areas for improvement, and executed process optimization strategies.
- Promoted a positive team environment to enhance collaboration, accountability, and ongoing development.
- Mediated conflicts, resolved performance challenges, and managed sensitive discussions to foster a positive work environment.
- Guided new team members through onboarding and mentorship processes to foster quick adaptation and maintain high performance standards.
- Engaged with cross-functional teams, including HR, finance, operations, and IT, to enhance business initiatives.
- Directed scheduling and workload allocation to ensure balanced resource utilization and operational efficiency.
- Conveyed updates on policies, procedures, and strategic priorities to ensure clarity and support among team members.
- Identified and celebrated high achievers to foster a culture of engagement and improve retention rates.
- Analyzed team results and articulated strategic updates and recommendations to senior leadership to inform decision-making.
Principle Contracts Administrator
ManTech International
10.2016 - 05.2019
- Oversaw analysis of government solicitations and RFPs, collaborating with the deputy director and director to uphold federal contract compliance standards. Managed comprehensive reviews of government solicitations and RFPs, partnering with the deputy director and director to ensure adherence to federal compliance requirements.
- Facilitated negotiations of proposals by analyzing contract terms, pricing, delivery schedules, and requested modifications to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
- Advised project managers and teams on contract requirements to improve operational effectiveness across various offices.
- Provided mentorship and leadership to junior contract administration staff to foster professional development.
- Collaborated with relevant departments to clarify requirements and guarantee inclusion of all necessary data in proposal submissions.
- Developed comprehensive pricing proposals to enhance project cost accuracy.
- Managed multiple contracts, overseeing modifications to enhance scope, performance evaluation, and compliance with cost and schedule requirements.
- Spearheaded proposal development through thorough review of client contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance with all required FAR/DFAR provisions.
- Provided strategic negotiation assistance and oversaw post-award administration to ensure successful contract closeout.
- Facilitated performance review presentations to government clients to enhance stakeholder understanding.
- Collaborated on the formulation of policies to enhance compliance and operational efficiency for government contracts.
Education
MIS - Information Systems
University of Phoenix
Phoenix, AZMBA - Business Administration
Fontbonne University
St. Louis, MOBS - Business Administration
Lindenwood University
St. Charles, MOSkills
- Leadership and Team Management
- Acquisition Strategy & Business Analysis
- Contract Management and Procurement
- Business Process Re-engineering and Configuration Management
- Cost control
- Procurement management
- Contract drafting
- Dispute resolution
- Terms and conditions writing
- Procurement
- Pricing negotiation
- Contract negotiation
- Documentation requirements
- Cross-functional teamwork
- Cost analysis
- Contract management
Timeline
Contracts Manager
The MITRE Corporation
07.2024 - Current
Contracts Administrator, Senior Advisor
Peraton, Inc.
12.2022 - 07.2024
Contracts Manager
Leidos, Inc.
10.2019 - 12.2022
Sr. Principle Contracts Administrator (Lead)
Northrop Grumman Corporation
05.2019 - 10.2019
Principle Contracts Administrator
ManTech International
10.2016 - 05.2019
MIS - Information Systems
University of Phoenix
MBA - Business Administration
Fontbonne University
BS - Business Administration
Lindenwood University
Additional Work History
Additional Employment History
July 2010-July 2016
Acquisition Expert (Associate)
Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc.
Aug. 2008 – July 2010
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
Deputy Operations Contracts Manager
Sept. 2007– Aug. 2008
CACI, Inc.
Contracts Manager
Aug. 2006 – Feb. 2007
Lockheed Martin
Herndon, VA
Staff Subcontract Administrator
Apr. 2005 – Aug. 2006
Booz Allen Hamilton
McLean, VA
Sr. Subcontract Administrator
July 2004 – Apr. 2005
Georgia Transmission
Atlanta, GA
Contracts Administrator
Jan. 2004 - July 2004
Parsons, Inc.
Contracts Administrator
Jan. 2001 – Dec. 2003
The Boeing Company
Contract Administrator
July 1990 – Dec. 2000
Mallinckrodt, Inc.
Contract Analyst