Stacy Taylor

As a Contracting Specialist with Pathfinder Consultants, I was part of a team that was contracted out to Research and Development Office of the Veterans Affairs. My job was to administer contracts from cradle to grave. Receiving new procurements request, I would solicit the request out via GSA, Special Notice, or Open Market so that I could purchase the best product possible for the veteran. Market Research is the most important selection of contracting. You must do your very best to provide the requested item or service to the veteran in need. Once the Request for Quotes expires, I would review the quotes with the customer to see what best supplies the station's needs. A selection would be made and an award would be made. Now sometimes, contracts are for more than 1 year. There fore I am experienced in creating contracts as a Base plus 4 option years that are allowed by law. I would oversee multiple contracts at a time. I would work them from the beginning to when they are ready to be closed out and archived. I am experienced in the FAR regulations and VAAR which guides a contracting specialist through different contract types in Veterans Affairs. I also am experienced in modifications of contracts, and close-outs of contracts. In my 3 1/2 years of working as a Contracting Specialist in the R&D Office of the VA I have handled contracts costing as much as $3,500.00 to $250,000. For modifications the price range ranges from several cents to over $750,000.00. The company Pathfinder Consultants which had a contract with the federal government up to 2/25/2025 terminated by Doge, covered the entire United States. I have several Letters of Recommendations from co-workers on my performance and dedication to my job. There is not better filling to see my work of purchasing go to a disable veterans and family. I was always first help and spearheaded problem solving ideas to wore more effectively as a team.

As of March 22, 2015 I was selected to become a Contracting Specialist 1102 series. In the rewarding career field I was able to procure over $750,000.00 for direct
patient care in my first full year. Several procurements which I was assigned, I was able to save the Memphis VA over $50,000.00 by soliciting to several different
vendors. I am experienced in data collecting and market research. I investigate and certify possible vendors to ensure that the vendor is in good standing with the
government and that the government (tax payer) receives the very best price. I am in constant contact with other agencies via phone or email researching market
research for items that are being sought. I have ministered numerous contracts, been the POC for questions, completed the required paperwork to ensure that the
Veteran get what he/she is needing. I have prepared Contracting documents for the vendors to review, sign and submit so that the customer (the veteran)can
proceed with a normal life. I make sure that all supporting documents, for all new contracts are IAW the FAR, VAAR, Procurement Manual to just name a few. I am
very customer friendly. I am always in direct contract with my customers/supplies via email, phone, and faxing. I am dedicated to customers and will help anyway
possible to resolve issues. I have received over 15 Customer Service awards just in the past 2 years. Customer Service is my strong point and I take great pride in
my Customer Service that I conduct. I work very hard to ensure customer satisfaction is at it's very best at all times. I am always looking to expand my knowledge
in ever aspect. I am a dedicated individual willing to learn, provide and be the best team player possible. Just this past year FY16, I won the Service
Disable/Veteran Own Small Business award for my whole NCO 9 region. This award was presented to me by the Secretary of the Veterans Affairs Robert
McDonald. I take extreme pride in my work. In just under two years on Contracting, I have worked, processed, completed, and closed out over 200 orders with over
95% efficiently.

I have worked at the Veterans Affairs Network Contracting Office now for over 3 years. In February the 27th of 2011, I was selected as a GS-7, series 1106, at the
Veterans Administration as a Purchase Card Program Coordinator. My job was to monitor and analyze the credit card program. On a yearly basis I review, audit,
and analyzes roughly $36,000,000 dollars in transactions. In doing this, I run numerous IFCAP reports on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis to ensure proper
guidelines are being followed. I review charges on a daily basis and report any possible misuse, inappropriate and/or unauthorized charges through Acquisition
channels. I audited cardholders, alternate/approving officials to ensure compliance with the applicable policy and procedures outlined in the VHA 1730.1 and the
FAR Chapter 13 and VAAR. In August of 2013 I was reassigned within the NCO9 arena. As a Procurement Technician (GS-7 step 4 within NCO 9,I provided
contract support to VISN 9 Veterans Administration hospitals, health care systems, Community Based Out-Patient Clinics (CBOC), and related administrative
offices in the geographical region to include Kentucky, Tennessee and West Virginia. Knowledgeable in researching of Micro-purchase levels and SAP
Procedures, Davis-Bacon (Construction) and Service Contract Act to include FAR, VAAR, VA Handbook, Directives, SOPs and local procurement regulations.
Knowledgeable and responsible for assuring the required supporting documentation is submitted for modifications, amendments/adjustments and various
situations regarding purchase orders and contracts. I am knowledgeable about the required documentation and monetary limitations for all procurement types
including, Davis-Bacon ($2,000.00), Service Contract Act ($2,500.00) and equipment/services ($3,000.00)and FSSI which are to be processed here at NCO 9.
Before the pre-award function and solicitation documents are carried out, it is my responsibility to verify that all supporting documents to complete this action is
completed. This is a vital role within this process. Until recently, (when a new system was started) it was my duty to insure that proper CORs were certified in the
proper training. The CORs monitored the contractor's performance and compliance with all set agreements. I have prepared, created, and given up to date
information to the SES during QUAD calls. Informing him/her of the status of incomplete contract packages. I am the point of contact for Fiscal for amendments,
adjustments and modifications to contract or purchase orders. I assure all required information is forwarded to the awarding officer for further action. I am
knowledgeable of Sole Source Requirements, justification and required supporting documentation to complete a procurement request package. All IGCE,
quotation/proposal requests, modifications are submitted to the procurement package. I assist the Contracting Officers and Purchasing Agents within NCO 9,
assuring proper documentation is provided. Review the suggested vendor by referring to the SAM (System and Award Management). This to make sure that the
vendor can do business with the government with not restrictions. I have always provided excellent internal and external customer service and have received
numerous awards for my ability to communicate with others. I utilize a variety of communication skills via email, facsimile, telephone and written correspondence
and oral. Here at the Network Contracting Office (NCO9)there are several computer programs I work with. The Electronic Contracting Management System also
known as eCMS, is the system where contract request are reveived from the VA hospitals across our covered region. Dollar values on contracts range from
$2,000.00 to as high as $9,999,999.00. It is my job to verify that all documents that are required by VA regulations are submitted correctly and complete. The
IFCAP system is a DOS system that is used to obligate the monies for the contract request. I have the ability to adapt very easily in stressful situations. Examples
Active duty military (numerous deployments)and as a Procurement Tech in Contracting during End of Year Closeouts (handle over 200 request within a 3 month
timeframe). I have the ability to always to find a better way of doing things. Make processes easier for the consumer. Customer Service is and will always be the
key to a successful business. I strive in providing in customer service to educate the customer in policies, regulations, and directives. By doing this, it establishes a
great working relationship with the customer and business.

The series/AFSC was 3M071 and was GS-7 step 1. While working at the TNANG I was the main POC for the GPC program as well as multiple other technical and
administrative duties. At that time I was the Approving Official for the Force Support Squadron and monitored 3 credit cards. One of my key jobs was to ensure that
the budget for the Force Support Squadron was monitored very closely. It was my job to setup, monitor, and excuse the budget for my squadron. The budget on a
yearly basis was roughly one million dollars. This includes lodging, supplies, Active duty days and travel. I was updating daily changes to my spreadsheet to show
to the penny where the squadron money was being spent. I worked very closely with Finance on a daily basis to ensure the correctness of the budget. The cards
were broken down into 3 groups (Supplies, Lodging, and Food). I had to make supply purchases using the GSA Advantage. Within a 2 year period I made over
750 purchases and payments on my credit cards. I had to be vigilant about possible fraudulent charges, and aware of any suspicious activity. I recently retired from
the U.S.A.F with over 15 years of service. I was able to maintain a Secret Clearance for the U.S.A.F for that entire length of time. In February the 27th of 2011,I
was selected as a GS-7, series 1106, at the Veterans Administration as a Purchase Card Program Coordinator/Procurement Tech.

In Sept 2005 I rejoind the military and enlisted into the 118th Supply Squardron Tennessee Air Nation Guard. For 2 years I was just a traditional employee which
means one weekend a month, 2 weeks out of a year. In December of 2007 I was selected as a warehouse clerk WG-06. My duties were numerous. I worked in the
Clothing Base Service Store 2 days a week, and Mobility/Warehouse 3 days a week. In mobility/warehouse I was responsible for all in-checking of new stock
items. I received in the property then using the SBSS system I stored the items or issued the property to the customer. I had a 100% inventory accountability rate.
Also, I have palletized weapons, WRSK materials, in support of war time operations. I have used cargo netting, plastic, and crating for sensitive war items. I have
nearly 10 years experience in the warehouse environment. I had forklift experience up to 10K. I have small trucks to large diesel trucks for unserviceable items
delivery to Ft. Campbell to the DRMO unit.

For the next 7 years I was a Correction Officer for the Macon County Sheriff's Dept. The facility would house on a daily basis between 100-130 inmates. There was
four C/O's on duty at all time. My job was insure safety for my fellow officers and inmates at all times. My daily routine was as follows. Daily head counts were
always first. Once all head counts were completed (100%), I would administer the morning medications to the inmates that require meds prescribed by the on duty
nurse in an orderly fashion. Once the morning meds was completed, breakfast would be served as well daily look around. Look around are the eye test for
correction officer to see if any thing seems to be out place or if someone is acting strange in anyway. Once all has been feed, morning work crews would then be
released for work. Each inmate would be shackled and searched before leaving the area. Once this is accomplished I would conduct security checks around the
premises for any possible contraband or breech within the facility. Throughout the day Tennessee Highway Patrol, Sheriff's Deputies, Local Police Dept would
arrest and transport individuals to our location for the booking process. Here is where I learned basic Judicial Laws to pertain to inmates. Here, I would correctly
book and fingerprint the individual within a proper time table. Background checks would be administered on each subject to insure that no outstanding warrants are
active at that time. Once I completed the booking process, the subject can either bond out or stay in the facility until court date. This job takes attention to detail in
all areas. The stress was tough at times, but knowing that I was doing my part to help my street, my neighborhood, my county to be just a little bit safer was worth it
all.

While active duty Air Force I was assigned to the 43rd Supply Squadron. I became very familiar with Logistics. For 2 years I was assigned to Stock Control. It was
my job to monitor all incoming and outgoing products. I used the D04 Daily Listing to track these items. I would continuious make calls to update the status of an
specific peice of equipment. I was then moved to further my learning to Receiving/Delivery. Here I processed over 300 items daily. I would verify the correct
quanity, dollar value, and correct item to insure 100% customer satisfaction. I would cross reference the part number or stock number via FEDLOG to make sure
the item is correct. Once processed I would help delivery this items to the respected customers. After 1 year of Receiving/Delivery, I was assigned to the Base
Honor Guard. Here was the most gratifying and rewarding experience of my career. As a team I performed over 350 funerals, 50 Change of Commands, and 5
parades. I was detailed to the Honor Guard for 1 year and 2 months. Once I completed this phase I was assigned to the 41st Airlift Squardron as their supply rep. It
was my job to make the correct and timely purchases to keep my aircraft mission capable status. I made well over 500 purchases in the 1 1/2 I was assigned. I
was deployed to Germany in support of Bosnian War. I made daily briefs with the commander and upper managemant concerning daily MiCAPS (Mission
Capablities). I was moved to the RACC (Repair Cycle Element) for 1 year. This year I learned in more detail about 2 level maintenance. I was in charge of the Daily
D23 (Due In for Maintenance) listing. Items that were labeled as high priority or precious metal was track very closely. Once I received the unserviceable item I
then would have it shipped to the depot for possible repair. This saved the DoD over 2 million dollars annually. And for my final stop of 8 months I was assigned to
the WRSK (War Readiness Spares Kit)section. Here i was in charge of specfic ISU90 for the A-10 75th Fighter Sq. Inside of the units were about 1 million dollars
in equipment (supplies) for that type of aircraft. I conducted daily inventories, and established daily purchases to replenshish any critical stock item that may be
need.