Danny Lester
Fredericksburg
Summary
Dynamic Supervisory Contract Specialist with the Department of Army, recognized for enhancing procurement strategies and achieving significant cost savings through expert negotiation. Proven leadership in contract administration and compliance, fostering teamwork and collaboration while mentoring junior specialists. Adept at problem-solving and maintaining strong vendor relationships to drive successful contract outcomes.
Knowledgeable of the procurement specialist position with background in contract management and supervision. Proven track record in negotiating and managing complex contracts, ensuring compliance, and enhancing operational efficiency. Demonstrated skills in team leadership and strategic planning.
Results-driven contracts professional with strong background in managing and supervising contract activities. Known for effective negotiation, compliance oversight, and operational improvements. Committed to fostering team collaboration and adapting to dynamic environments with key skills in strategic planning and risk management.
Professional contract management expert with extensive experience in procurement, contract negotiation, and compliance. Proven ability to drive team collaboration and deliver results in dynamic environments. Skilled in strategic planning, vendor management, and risk assessment. Renowned for reliability and adaptability in meeting evolving organizational needs.
Experienced contracting leader with strong background in guiding product teams, managing complex projects, and achieving strategic objectives. Excels in developing efficient processes, ensuring high standards, and aligning efforts with organizational goals. Known for collaborative approach and commitment to excellence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Supervisory Contract Specialist
Department of Army
05.2007 - 03.2025
- Led contract negotiation processes, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and policies.
- Developed and implemented procurement strategies to optimize resource allocation and cost efficiency.
- Oversaw contract administration, including performance assessments and modifications to ensure contractor accountability.
- Mentored junior contract specialists, enhancing team capabilities in contract management and compliance procedures.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to streamline procurement processes, improving workflow efficiency.
- Analyzed market trends and vendor performance data to inform strategic sourcing decisions for critical projects.
- Established training programs on federal contracting practices, fostering a culture of continuous learning within the team.
- Developed strong relationships with key vendors, fostering collaboration and mutual trust for successful contract outcomes.
- Conducted thorough market research to identify potential suppliers, fostering competition and driving better value for the organization.
- Evaluated supplier proposals for technical acceptability, price reasonableness, and risk factors to ensure sound award decisions were made.
- Maintained accurate records of all contractual actions in accordance with regulatory requirements and organizational policy.
- Managed the full lifecycle of federal contracts, ensuring compliance with regulations, policies, and procedures.
- Reviewed contractor performance against established metrics, ensuring timely delivery of quality products or services within budget constraints.
- Increased cost savings on contracts with effective negotiation techniques and vendor management strategies.
- Served as the primary point of contact for all contractual matters, ensuring timely resolution of issues and effective communication with stakeholders.
- Mentored junior contract specialists in developing their skills and knowledge in federal acquisition processes and guidelines.
- Led a team of contract specialists, providing guidance on complex acquisition planning and execution tasks.
- Enhanced contract negotiation processes by implementing strategic sourcing and procurement best practices.
- Developed procurement strategies to optimize supplier relationships and reduce costs.
- Analyzed market trends to inform purchasing decisions and improve product availability.
- Pre award duties included; program analysis, fiscal resource requirement projections, procurement, strategic planning to identify all aspects of the services or products to be procured on market research /analysis and preparing all needed justifications. Develop competitive objectives, research subcontracting and set aside policies. Analyze and assist in the development of milestones and delivery schedules for best-value awards. Conduct and Facilitate pre award conferences, conduct proposal evaluation, develop negotiation strategies.
- Post award duties include contract award, contract modifications, negotiation of changes, processing and resolution of claims, Contractor reviews, evaluating, determining and justifying fees for cost contracts, contract close outs and terminations. Advise Program Officials on procurement objectives, program management decisions, statement of work development and the determination of contracting methods best suited for specific requirements. Discuss budgetary/resource allocation with technical and financial personnel. Serve as customer service point of contact for communicating all decisions for internal and external customers, ensuring manpower and fiscal decisions were accomplished.
- Awarded and administered contract actions for Research and development, products and services to include but are not limited to construction services, telecommunications services, information technology equipment and services, systems or requirement studies based on requirement analysis.
Senior Contract Specialist
Defense National Stockpile Center
08.2000 - 05.2007
- Developed and managed complex contractual agreements for government procurement initiatives.
- Analyzed contract compliance to ensure adherence to federal regulations and policies.
- Led cross-functional teams in negotiating terms and conditions to optimize contract performance.
- Streamlined contract review processes, reducing turnaround time for approvals and modifications.
- Mentored junior specialists on best practices in contract management and negotiation strategies.
- Collaborated with legal advisors to ensure all contracts align with organizational objectives and compliance standards.
- Conducted training sessions on contract execution procedures, enhancing team knowledge and efficiency.
- Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams during contract negotiations, ensuring alignment on strategic goals and objectives.
- Ensured timely completion of all contract-related tasks, such as renewals and amendments, by prioritizing workload effectively and efficiently managing resources.
- Played a pivotal role in the resolution of contractual disputes through effective mediation and negotiation strategies that preserved key business relationships.
- Delivered substantial cost savings by negotiating advantageous pricing structures with suppliers based on volume discounts and long-term commitments.
- Managed complex contracts from inception to completion, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budget constraints.
- Provided guidance and mentorship to junior staff members in the Contracts department, promoting skill development and knowledge sharing.
- Oversaw the contract renewal process, ensuring timely renegotiation of terms as needed to maintain optimal business relationships.
- Reduced risk exposure by proactively identifying contractual issues and addressing them effectively.
- Level III certified in the acquisition career field of contracting. Serve as a Contracting Officer. Agency coordinator for the purchase card program.
- Responsible for all aspects of pre award and post award contract functions. Aspects of these functions include, contract management oversight and execution throughout the life cycle of contracts awarded. Perform acquisition planning, serve as advisor and lead negotiator. Awarded and administered contract actions.
Education
Master of Science - Information Systems
Strayer University
Fredericksburg, PA05-2002
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Strayer University
Fredericksburg, VA04-1996
Skills
- Procurement expertise
- Contract administration
- Contract compliance
- Positive attitude
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Customer service
- Problem-solving
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Computer skills
- Team leadership
- Negotiation and conflict resolution
Certification
DAWIA Level III Certification (Contracting)
Adjunct Instructor at Germanna Community College
Ordained Minister
Timeline
Supervisory Contract Specialist
Department of Army
05.2007 - 03.2025
Senior Contract Specialist
Defense National Stockpile Center
08.2000 - 05.2007
Master of Science - Information Systems
Strayer University
Bachelor of Science - Business Administration
Strayer University