Janelle Billingslea
Upper Marlboro, MD 202-***-**** ******************@*****.*** Top Secret Security Clearance (Active) Director of Contracts
Accomplished Director of Contracts with extensive expertise in Federal Acquisition and Commercial Procurement, blending traditional contract management with advanced technical product acquisition skills. Recognized for exceptional leadership across the entire acquisition lifecycle, from solicitation and negotiation to execution and closeout of diverse agreements, including NDAs, MSAs, BPAs, IDIQs, Fixed Price, Labor Hour, and Cost Reimbursement frameworks. Brings a rare technical acumen to the contracting field, enabling strategic sourcing and integration of complex technical products, including advanced electronics, cybersecurity solutions, space technologies, and autonomous systems.
Expert in navigating FAR and DFARS regulations, with a demonstrated ability to manage contracts for high-value, cutting-edge technologies valued at over $1.5 billion. Proven success in forming partnerships with top-tier R&D centers and U.S. National Laboratories, driving innovation through the secure and efficient deployment of technical solutions to meet critical federal and commercial needs. Known for a consultative approach, guiding program offices in requirement planning, SOW development, and the strategic sourcing of both traditional and specialized technical products, aligning solutions with both regulatory compliance and mission-critical objectives.
A thought leader in procurement and author of The Federal Contracting Playbook, offering deep insights into federal acquisition strategies and innovative contracting methodologies. Demonstrated experience in systems integration, market analysis, and compliance, with hands-on expertise in federal procurement systems such as PRISM, AAMS, and Oracle Federal Financials. Adept at aligning procurement strategies with emerging technology needs, ensuring scalable solutions that meet evolving demands. Recognized for enhancing contracting proficiency through targeted staff training, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and leading high-stakes negotiations that drive organizational growth and operational resilience. Recognized for deep expertise in developing and managing contracts for advanced technologies across all phases, from early-stage R&D to late-stage deployment. Extensive experience includes contracting within scientific and defense areas such as Advanced Electronics, Air Platforms, Autonomy, Biomedical, Cyber, C4ISR, Electronic Warfare, Sensors, Space Technologies, and Weapons Systems. Has forged partnerships with U.S. National Laboratories, R&D centers, and premier test sites, including White Sands Missile Range and Dugway Proving Ground, supporting organizations like Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), U.S. Army Rapid Equipping Force (REF), Night Vision Laboratories (NVL), DARPA to develop and bring innovative technical capabilities to the marketplace or for insertion into military programs of records (PORs). Key achievements include:
• Global Innovation Deployment: Led the development and deployment of material solutions in Bahrain, the Horn of Africa, Italy, Jordan, South Korea, and the U.K., enhancing operational capability in under-resourced areas.
• International Strategic Testing: Conceptualized and executed REF’s first international live-fire test event with the UK’s Ministry of Defense, realizing a $5M cost savings for the U.S. government.
• Interagency Agreement: Crafted and steered $725M+ worth of Interagency Agreements (IAAs), fostering robust partnerships between VA/VALOR and numerous agencies, thus bolstering the program’s integration and efficacy.
• Procurement: Authored an IDIQ contract securing $49M, enhancing the PSC’s capacity to swiftly procure cutting-edge solutions, services, and products, thus accelerating operational efficiency and expense management. Brings exceptional skill in navigating regulatory frameworks and aligning complex acquisition strategies with both Federal and commercial objectives, delivering innovative, mission-critical solutions across sectors. CORE COMPETENCIES
Strategic Contract Negotiation Cross-Functional Team Leadership Training & Development
Federal Acquisition Regulation Contract Management Contract Direction
Government Procurement Processes Contractual Documentation Federal Financial Systems
Lifecycle Management Market Research Analysis Regulatory & Policy Reform
Risk Assessment & Mitigation Stakeholder Engagement Intellectual Property Management
Compliance & Legal Adherence Program & Project Management Technology Integration PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Janelle Billingslea ******************@*****.*** 202-***-**** Undisclosed WASHINGTON, DC 2021 - PRESENT
Director of Contracts
● Contract Solutions for Technical Systems: Spearheaded the drafting and negotiation of technical contracts for high-value, innovative projects, ensuring alignment with complex technical requirements and fostering collaborative cross-functional project teams to meet stringent delivery standards.
● Tech-driven Contract Strategy: Developed and implemented strategies to support technical solutions within contract frameworks, enabling flexibility and scalability to accommodate emerging technology needs and rapidly changing requirements.
● Systems Integration in Contract Lifecycle: Actively managed end-to-end integration of technical solutions into procurement processes, overseeing both contract performance and systems development, ensuring seamless alignment with technical and operational milestones.
● Contract Negotiation Acumen: Demonstrate knowledge in negotiating diverse contract types such as FFP, FFP LOE, CPFF, T&M, and IDIQ, ensuring favorable terms and conditions are met.
● Contract Development: Author and manage the execution of critical legal agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements
(NDAs), Non-Compete Agreements, Master Services Agreements (MSAs), and Consulting Agreements (CAs), fortifying proprietary interests and compliance with contractual obligations.
● Contracts Lifecycle Manager: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF projects and driving accountability for timeline adherence and quality benchmarks.
● Subcontract Administration: Negotiate, draft, and oversee subcontracts with both US and foreign entities across various formats
(T&M, CPFF, FP, etc.), ensuring adherence to legal, cost, and performance standards.
● Business Development Support: Contribute to new business initiatives by negotiating non-disclosure and teaming agreements, fostering sustainable partnerships, and supporting company growth.
● Pre-award Management: Oversee pre-award procurement operations, including risk assessment of Client RFPs, crafting and dispatching RFPs to subcontractors, response evaluation, and price/terms negotiation, while contributing to proposal color team reviews.
● Procurement Leadership: Drive the procurement function, strategizing and implementing procurement policies and guidelines, leading cross-functional teams in the execution of purchasing strategies, and ensuring the acquisition of high-quality goods and services that deliver value and efficiency to the organization.
● Regulatory Expertise: Proficient with FARs, GSA schedules, GWACs, and IDIQ vehicles, applying this knowledge to navigate and comply with complex acquisition processes.
● Analytical Proficiency: Utilize strong analytical skills to scrutinize agreements, negotiating terms with potential subcontractors, consultants, and contractors with informed precision.
● Cost Analysis: Employ various cost analysis techniques, including PPI, BLS, and comparison with historical data, to ascertain F&R of proposed prices, while utilizing tools like IGCE for comprehensive assessments.
● Acquisition Collaboration: Work closely with program managers and stakeholders to define clear acquisition requirements, ensuring that specifications and evaluation criteria are properly established.
● Solicitation Development: Formulate and issue detailed solicitations, RFPs, and RFQs, aligning procurement documents with strategic goals and operational requirements.
● Proposal Evaluation: Analyze vendor proposals against strict compliance benchmarks, guaranteeing alignment with regulatory frameworks and procurement objectives.
● Vendor Negotiations: Lead robust negotiations with vendors, achieving beneficial outcomes in terms of cost, schedule, and contractual provisions.
● Contract Administration: Manage the full lifecycle of contracts, addressing modifications, extensions, and terminations, maintaining the integrity of the contractual relationship.
● Regulatory Compliance: Ensure all contracting processes abide by FAR, agency-specific protocols, and other legal requirements, upholding the highest standards of compliance.
● Performance Monitoring: Vigilantly monitor contractor performance, verifying conformity to contractual commitments, quality specifications, and delivery expectations.
● Dispute Resolution: Tackle contract disputes effectively, liaising with legal and contracting teams to resolve issues in alignment with organizational interests.
● Documentation Management: Maintain meticulous records of all contract-related documentation, ensuring a complete and auditable trail of correspondence and deliverables.
● Acquisition Guidance: Offer informed advice to program managers and other stakeholders on all facets of acquisition and procurement, enhancing operational efficacy.
● Regulatory Vigilance: Remain abreast of evolving federal acquisition regulations and practices, ensuring knowledge is current and applied in all contracting activities.
Janelle Billingslea ******************@*****.*** 202-***-****
● Contractual Leadership: Spearheaded the crafting, assessment, and negotiation of a breadth of business agreements including government and commercial contracts, consulting agreements, and teaming arrangements, enhancing the organization's legal and operational framework.
● Strategic Negotiations: Engage in the negotiation of various government contracts, such as Fixed Price, Cost Plus, and Time & Materials, optimizing the company's financial position and contractual adaptability.
● Lifecycle Management: Administer a comprehensive suite of business agreements, from prime contracts and subcontracts to orders and non-disclosure agreements, ensuring holistic oversight throughout their duration.
● Risk and Compliance: Conduct thorough risk assessments, mitigated potential contractual risks, and collaborated with management on the approval of pivotal documents, bolstering the company's compliance posture.
● Advisory Excellence: Provide seasoned guidance on an array of matters including legal issues, risk management, insurance, and compliance, fortifying the integrity and reliability of business operations. U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES WASHINGTON, DC 2020 - 2021 Senior Program Management Analyst - Office of Acquisitions (2020 - 2021)
● Technical Contracts for IT Systems: Designed and managed contract agreements for complex IT systems within HHS, setting the groundwork for secure, compliant, and sustainable technology infrastructures tailored to agency-specific requirements.
● Collaborative Technology Lifecycle Management: Partnered with cross-functional IT teams to map out technical requirements in pre-award stages, ensuring that contract terms were equipped to handle the full technology lifecycle from development through deployment.
● Innovation Integration in Acquisitions: Facilitated the integration of advanced technology solutions, including Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) and Web Services, into procurement processes, driving system efficiencies and enhancing contract alignment with technological advancements
● Contracts Management Excellence: Led and managed the comprehensive life cycle of IT contracts, ensuring terms and compliance across all levels, and instituted rigorous review protocols for contract performance, mitigating risk and enhancing value delivery.
● Contracts Lifecycle Manager: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF projects and driving accountability for timeline adherence and quality benchmarks.
● Subcontractor Oversight: Implemented a robust subcontract management framework, enabling effective governance and ensuring that subcontractor deliverables align with main contract objectives and agency standards.
● Program Leadership: Commanded the strategic planning and execution of OABS programs, ensuring that objectives and goals are set, assigned, and attained with superior clearance and precision.
● Policy and Budget Oversight: Guided acquisition policy development in response to fiscal changes and legislative updates, and adeptly managed the allocation of funds within program budgets.
● Strategic IT Advisory: Served as a principal consultant to IT professionals across the board, offering insights into innovative strategies and leading practices within the information technology landscape.
● Change Management: Carried the mantle of responsibility for change control processes, encompassing system configuration, implementation, and performance management, ensuring the IT infrastructure's continuous evolution and alignment with organizational goals.
● IT Systems Innovation: Advocated for the application of avant-garde IT and IRM practices to maintain compliance and drive the IT infrastructure's development to meet both immediate and future objectives.
● Contractual Strategy Formulation: Devised and executed strategic contract management plans, facilitating the integration of technology contracts into broader program objectives, and ensuring consistency with acquisition policies.
● Subcontracts Performance Monitoring: Established key performance indicators for subcontracts, resulting in improved subcontractor performance, enhanced efficiencies, and the achievement of strategic procurement objectives.
● Acquisition Systems Stewardship: Steered the HHS Consolidated Acquisition Solution (HCAS), propelling acquisition business processes from inception through to contract completion.
● Cross-functional Team Leadership: Orchestrated the formation and direction of cross-departmental teams, ensuring seamless execution of technology implementation tasks related to acquisitions.
● Program Management Excellence: Commanded the management of HCAS, exhibiting strong leadership over a technical contract workforce of 20, and efficiently coordinating IT service management for PRISM and related applications.
● SOA and Web Services Advancement: Earned accolades from the CFO and CTO for spearheading the Service Oriented Architecture and Web Services initiative, orchestrating major technical enhancements and modernization efforts. ATLAS RESEARCH WASHINGTON, DC 2019 – 2020
Senior Manager (Acquisitions)
● Technology-enabled Contract Frameworks: Established contracting frameworks specifically geared towards technical acquisitions, integrating requirements for technologies like blockchain and machine learning to align with federal standards. Janelle Billingslea ******************@*****.*** 202-***-****
● Performance Metrics for Technical Contracts: Developed key performance indicators and metrics tailored to the technical aspects of contract management, enabling accurate tracking and assessment of technology-focused subcontractor performance.
● Strategic Vendor Partnerships for Innovation: Forged partnerships with tech-focused vendors, negotiating terms that supported rapid prototyping and deployment of solutions, thus driving continuous innovation and adaptability within contract parameters.
● Contracts Management Leadership: Directed contract administration processes, including negotiation, execution, and analysis to ensure effective operation and compliance with contractual obligations.
● Contracts Lifecycle Manager: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF projects and driving accountability for timeline adherence and quality benchmarks.
● Subcontract Integration: Developed a coherent approach to subcontract integration within major programs, ensuring that subcontracting strategies supported overarching contract goals and agency missions.
● Legal Agreements: Authored and established a variety of key legal instruments such as Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs), Non- Compete Agreements, Master Services Agreements (MSAs), and Consulting Agreements (CAs), reinforcing the contractual framework and securing proprietary and operational interests.
● Solicitation and Procurement Management: Developed and issued comprehensive solicitations, requests for proposals (RFPs), and requests for quotes (RFQs), crafting procurement documents that align with strategic goals and operational needs.
● Vendor Proposal Assessment: Conducted thorough evaluations of vendor proposals and bids to ensure strict adherence to federal regulations, outlined requirements, and meticulous evaluation criteria, thereby guaranteeing integrity and competitiveness in procurement practices.
● Vendor Negotiations: Led negotiations with vendors, attaining advantageous terms and conditions that encompass competitive pricing, expedient delivery schedules, and favorable contract terms, significantly enhancing value for the organization.
● Contract Preparation and Administration: Diligently prepared and administered detailed contracts, handling subsequent modifications, extensions, and terminations with precision, to maintain contractual compliance and performance.
● Regulatory Compliance and Oversight: Vigilantly ensured that all acquisition processes and contracts were in strict compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR), agency-specific regulations, and other pertinent laws and guidelines, thus upholding the highest standards of legal and ethical procurement.
● Technical Acquisitions: Championed the $3B Veteran Affairs Logistic Redesign (VALOR) Program, synchronizing DoD’s DHA DMLSS solution adaptations for robust operation within DoD frameworks, directly contributing to a seamless transition and comprehensive lifecycle cost savings.
● Strategic Alignment: Orchestrated the alignment of VALOR solutions across the DHA and VA, enhancing veteran services during their pivotal transition to retirement, while also meticulously managing a $4.5B supply chain.
● Interagency Agreement: Crafted and steered $725M+ worth of Interagency Agreements (IAAs), fostering robust partnerships between VA/VALOR and numerous agencies, thus bolstering the program’s integration and efficacy.
● Pre-Acquisition Strategist: Applied FAR acumen in the orchestration of pre-acquisition and strategic planning, ensuring precise execution and the development of Performance Work Statement (PWS)/ Statements of Work (SOW), source selection, and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs).
● Acquisition: Directed the formulation of critical acquisition agreements and managed multimillion-dollar IAAs, ensuring VA funding was meticulously organized and applied.
DATA FEDERAL CORPORATION COLUMBIA, MD 2018 – 2019 Senior Technology Acquisition Subject Matter Expert
● System Engineering and Contract Synergy: Ensured synergy between system engineering requirements and contract specifications, enabling efficient project delivery that meets technical performance standards and compliance requirements.
● Technical Specification Development: Led efforts in crafting contracts that included precise technical specifications and requirements for emerging technologies, effectively mitigating risk while accommodating rapid technology changes.
● Technology Compliance and Innovation: Orchestrated the integration of regulatory standards with innovative contracting techniques, ensuring advanced solutions complied with evolving federal regulations and operational benchmarks.
● Contracting Approaches: Pioneered adaptive contracting techniques that responded to the rapid evolution of IT requirements, thereby increasing flexibility and responsiveness in meeting federal procurement needs.
● Contract Management: Prepared, administered, and revised contracts throughout their lifecycle, including handling contract modifications, extensions, and terminations, to ensure continued alignment with evolving mission requirements.
● Contracts Lifecycle: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF projects and driving accountability for timeline adherence and quality benchmarks.
● Subcontractor Due Diligence: Enforced a stringent due diligence process for subcontractor selection and management, ensuring adherence to federal standards and optimizing subcontract contributions to program success. Janelle Billingslea ******************@*****.*** 202-***-****
● Systems Engineering: Offered expertise as a systems engineering SME to HHS, enabling digital communication solutions and strategic advancements within the Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs’ Digital Communications Division and the PSC.
● Technical Proficiency: Employed a deep-seated knowledge in scientific, acquisition, and digital realms to navigate and fulfill federal requisites, spearheading the development of web-based product strategies and delivery.
● Advanced Technologies: Initiated the Advanced Technology Program Office (ATPO) in line with the IAAI contract, amplifying the impact of HHS's BuySmarter and Accelerate initiatives through innovative contract support and program development pipelines.
● Procurement: Authored an IDIQ contract securing $49M, enhancing the PSC’s capacity to swiftly procure cutting-edge solutions, services, and products, thus accelerating operational efficiency and expense management.
● Procurement Documentation: Led the development and issuance of detailed solicitations, requests for proposals (RFPs), and requests for quotes (RFQs), ensuring precise specification of requirements and seamless initiation of procurement cycles.
● Integrated Procurement Strategy: Orchestrated a full-spectrum procurement approach, formulating procurement packages that include Statements of Work (SOWs), Statements of Objectives (SOOs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Acquisition Plans, and IT checklists, thereby solidifying the procurement infrastructure.
● Vendor Evaluation and Compliance: Scrutinized vendor proposals and bids with a focus on compliance with stringent regulations, mandatory requirements, and defined evaluation criteria, upholding rigorous standards of federal procurement integrity.
● Contract Negotiation and Vendor Relations: Strategically conducted negotiations with vendors to secure favorable terms, achieving the best possible pricing, reliable delivery schedules, and contract terms that serve organizational objectives.
● Regulatory Compliance: Ensured that all procurement actions were in complete conformity with Federal Acquisition Regulations
(FAR), agency-specific protocols, and other relevant legal mandates, providing a foundation of compliance and due diligence.
● Advanced Technology Advocate: Supported federal agencies in the adoption and implementation of frontier technologies like blockchain, DLT, ML, and RPA, offering counsel on best practices and developing forward-thinking procurement methods.
● Procurement Package: Composed comprehensive procurement packages inclusive of Statement of Work (SOWs), Statement of Objectives (SOOs), Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCEs), Acquisition Plans, and IT checklists, underpinning the robust procurement framework.
BYTECUBED ARLINGTON, VA 2015 – 2018
Director of Engagement – DoD Velociter Program (2016 – 2018)
● Tech-focused SBIR/STTR Contracting: Directed the contracting process for small business technology innovations, creating scalable agreements that encouraged DoD partnerships with emerging tech companies for rapid solution delivery.
● Cross-functional Systems Development: Oversaw contract management of technology-focused projects, ensuring technical specifications were embedded in contract terms and fostering seamless integration across systems and stakeholder teams.
● Prototyping and Commercialization Strategy: Led prototyping contracts with an emphasis on commercialization potential, crafting agreements that supported long-term technology viability within military and defense applications.
● Full Contract Lifecycle Management: Expertly directed the entire lifecycle of multiple Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) contracts from development to close-out, ensuring strict adherence to DoD guidelines, promoting small business development, and enabling the seamless integration of innovative technologies.
● Contract Administration Expert: Orchestrated the drafting and negotiation of critical corporate and legal agreements, including Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDA), Non-Compete Agreements, Master Service Agreements (MSA), and Consulting Agreements
(CA), fortifying legal compliance and corporate governance throughout the Velociter Program.
● Strategic Contract Advisor: Provided expert advice on contract strategies to enhance the success of SBIR/STTR technologies within the defense acquisition cycle, driving forward contracts that supported long-term strategic program goals.
● Contracts Lifecycle Manager: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF projects and driving accountability for timeline adherence and quality benchmarks.
● Small Business Innovation Architect: Fostered the growth and technological evolution of 250 small businesses under the SBIR/STTR programs, devising and actualizing engagement strategies that nurtured inventive technical solutions.
● Opportunity Scout: Scoured the vast federal landscape to pinpoint and seize additional government work prospects while guiding clients through the intricacies of risk management across PM, planning, business development, and more.
● DoD Collaboration Conductor: Partnered with the DoD to smoothen the integration of SBIR technologies into larger systems, elucidating the defense acquisition process and enabling the assimilation of federal technology.
● Prototyping and Transition Strategist: Spearheaded prototyping efforts, ensuring the smooth transfer of successful innovations to military PM departments.
● Funding Pathfinder: Unearthed alternative funding avenues, boosting the DoD's prototyping budgets and fueling further R&D initiatives through collaboration with various organizations like Rapid Technology Transition (RTT), Rapid Innocation Fund (RIF), Technology Maturation Initiative (TMI), and others to develop and mature capabilities for insertion.
● Financial Acumen Demonstrator: Applied funding SME insights to navigate the complexities of appropriations, enabling adept approaches to solicitations and resource allocation. Janelle Billingslea ******************@*****.*** 202-***-****
● Federal Relationship Builder: Wove a network of strategic partnerships with federal acquisition bodies, meticulously tracking interactions and outcomes to sustain fruitful alliances.
● Innovation Ecosystem Creator: Pioneered the “Marketplace” for new government technology discovery, laying the groundwork for technological advances.
● Educational Leader: Guided defense and federal acquisition processes, sharpening industry best practices and engagement strategies through targeted training initiatives.
● Velociter Program Visionary: Launched and steered the Velociter program, significantly boosting small business efficacy in engaging and partnering with government agencies.
Senior Commercialization Advisor (2015 – 2017)
● Contracts Lifecycle Manager: Oversaw the entire contract lifecycle, demonstrating proficient management from initiation through execution to closeout, ensuring timely delivery of products and solutions for global defense initiatives.
● Contracts and Subcontracts Administrator: Excelled in the systematic oversight of contract and subcontract lifecycles, from initiation to fulfillment, guaranteeing the structured execution of commercialization contracts while upholding DoD standards. Managed the end-to-end process for primary contracts and associated subcontracts, cementing robust compliance and enabling the swift execution of defense and commercial sector contracts.
● Subcontract Performance Management: Implemented a robust performance management system for subcontracts, optimizing contributions to REF