Expert knowledge on Federal and USAID Acquisition Regulations
Resume:
Nyembezi Mfune, **** S Eads St, Apt ***S, Arlington, VA 22202
Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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CURRICULUM VITAE
M S . N Y E M B E Z I A L I C E M N T H A M B A L A M F U N E PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Experienced Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) professional seeking opportunities in international development to add value to programs through acquired A&A skills and diverse multicultural work background.
WORK HISTORY
Over 34 years work experience with United States Agency for International Development
(USAID), out of which 25 years are in acquisition and assistance and 11 years’ experience in program/project management and administration. Served as a Foreign Service National (FSN) Program Acquisition and Assistance (A&A) Specialist, a United States Personal Services Contractor (USPSC) Senior A&A Specialist, and an Institutional Support Contractor (ISC). A&A support provided to PEPFAR (HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis); Health; Education; Peace and Democratic Governance; Agriculture and Food Security/ Economic Growth and Environment Development Objective Teams; Mission Program Offices and USAID/Washington.
*All positions below denote full-time, 40 hours / week* Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, ZemiTek – USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHASC)
- November 2024 to Present
Currently provides cradle to grave integrated acquisition and assistance support to BHA to ensure timely execution of emergency and non-emergency contracts, grants, cooperative agreements, interagency agreements, and other agreements to implement effective programs. Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, XL Associates Inc. (XLA)
- April 2022 to October 2024
Remotely supported USAID Global Health, Office of Infectious Disease, Emerging Threats Division (GH/ID/ETD) and Global Health Security (GHS) Team; USAID M/OAA Personal Service Contract (PSC) Rules and Policy Division; and USAID Missions under BOOST Contract, on various cradle to grave acquisition and assistance actions, as assigned. Tasks include:
• Worked with Technical Offices/Design Teams from Missions (Ethiopia, Zambia, Indonesia, Haiti) and GHS division to draft pre-GLAAS documents (SOAR, AAM, IGCE, IAP, SOW/PD, evaluation factors/merit review criteria, SSP, Market Research, etc); oversaw various Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) process, including drafting or reviewing TEC memos.
• Conducted cost analysis for various actions in evaluation phase; prepared Competitive Range, Source Selection Decision and Negotiation memos, and award documents.
• Drafed pre-award documents and oversaw selection committee evaluation process for recruitment of GH/ID/ETD Personal Service Contract positions.
• Post award management of multi-million-dollar Cooperative Agreements and Contracts Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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under the Global Health Security portfolio, including managing the transfer process of a $6.8 billion contract for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Global Vaccine Mission from DoD to USAID.
• Researched on a variety of Personal Service Contract (PSC) issues, drafted related decision or deviation memos and Acquisition and Assistance Policy Directives
(AAPD) renewals; updated ADS 309 and corresponding mandatory and additional guidance; and provided input to responses to PSC related questions received in designated mailboxes.
• As assigned, mentored newly hired staff in A&A skills. USPSC Administrative Contracting/Agreement Officer
- November 2020 to March 15, 2022
Served as a USPSC Administrative Contracting & Agreement Officer executing within scope incremental funding actions of any amount and all non-monetary modifications and approvals in accordance with FAR 42.302(a), 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 700, and ADS 302 and 303. USPSC Senior Acquisition and Assistance Specialist, USAID/Nigeria; Program Acquisition & Assistance Specialist, USAID/Malawi
- October 2001 to March 15, 2022
Processed cradle to grave acquisition and assistance actions for USAID/Malawi Mission from October 2001 through January 2011, which were executed by the Regional Acquisition and Assistance Office (RAAO) Contracting Officers/Agreement Officers (COs/AOs) based in USAID/South Africa. Prepared, coordinated, and maintained annual acquisition plans, appropriate milestone charts, and related schedules and kept the RAAO informed of anticipated workload demands for USAID/Malawi Mission.
From February 2011 to March 2022, performed pre-award and post-award functions involving highly complex negotiated procurements of significant importance to USAID/Nigeria mission. Provided effective business leadership in the Federal acquisition specialty that embraces a broad, comprehensive understanding of the business environment for United States Government (USG) contracting. As a business advisor, reviewed requirement documents to understand customer needs and recommended good business decisions that support USAID programs in consonance with the laws, regulations and policies governing the USG Federal procurement of goods and services.
(a) Individual work
As a Senior A&A Specialist, work largely focused on helping others excel at their work. This included support on all aspects of contract/cooperative agreement management relating to and affecting USAID assistance programs in Nigeria, including procurement planning, activity design, solicitation, negotiation, award and implementation of programs. While majority of the effort was done through collaboration with other A&A personnel i.e. through coaching, mentoring, training and allowing opportunities for shadowing - when necessary, I fulfilled my A&A responsibilities which in turn directly supporting the Contracting/Agreement Officer
(CO/AO). I supported all Mission portfolios and performed a whole range of A&A functions in the absence of colleagues, high workload or as an advisor as requested by the CO/AO. Provided input to Foreign Service National (FSN) A&A personnel’s performance reviews based on coaching and mentoring role performed. Worked independently to prepare documents for Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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Contract Review Board (CRB) review; negotiated and developed documents within schedule. Jointly developed and made presentations with Office of Financial Management (OFM) Staff to incorporate Office of Acquisition and Assistance (OAA) related topics as scheduled. Specific pre- and post-award duties include:
Pre-award actions:
• Part of an Acquisition Team that designed new and additional activities; reviewed Statements of work or Program descriptions; and provided guidance on most appropriate procurement instrument or vehicle to implement desired program.
• Ensured compliance with all agency requirements policies and regulations- FAR, AIDAR, 2 CFR 200, 2 CFR 200 and 700, Automated Directives System Series; independently prepares solicitation documents i.e. RFP, RFAs, and APS, synopses on www.Fbo.gov and www.grants.gov.
• Reviewed GLAAS Requisitions (REQs/REQMs) entered into GLAAS requesting specific acquisition/assistance actions for major and complex programs/projects/activities and/or services. Analyzed requirements and recommended revisions regarding Statement of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statement of Objectives (SOO) and Program Descriptions (PD), budgets, clarification of terms, reporting requirements, and any special conditions, and ensured that required performance indicators are developed and included in the solicitation of funding opportunity.
• Conducted pre-proposal or application conferences with prospective bidders/applicants to provide clear understanding of what is required in the proposed contract or agreement; draft and issue necessary amendments to clarify questions concerning Request for Proposals/Request for Applications (RFP/RFAs) requirements.
• Oversaw the Technical evaluation process; provided guidance Technical evaluation committees (TECs) through TEC briefs on conduct, purpose and recommendations of the TEC; ensured procurement integrity is upheld; transparency of evaluation process is exhibited; ensured recommendation and documentation of findings of TEC reports reflected best value to the US Government and beneficiaries.
• Independently performed detailed cost and price analyses in a logical orderly manner to review and evaluated all prices or cost elements proposed including profit or fee analysis using weighted guidelines to determine cost reasonableness and allowability. Explored new or innovative contracting approaches to arrive at an equitable contract arrangement. In the absence of meaningful cost and price information, developed creative approaches to developing the necessary comparative data.
• As lead negotiator, prepared negotiation strategies and conducted discussions with offerors or applicants in the competitive range to ensure all elements of the solicitation were addressed satisfactorily and reasonably for both parties and document the outcome in pre-award files.
• Independently prepared source selection and negotiation memoranda for procurement actions including those for the contract review board and notifications to unsuccessful bidders including debrief.
• Prepared award documents of various types, and modifications for the CO/AO’s signature.
Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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Post –award actions:
• Advised technical office counterparts and contractors on their administration responsibilities contained in the contract.
• Interpreted terms and conditions of existing awards and provided advice to technical team members on clauses to all awarded instruments to ensure implementers adhered to the terms and conditions of the instruments; ensured appropriateness of requests and actions, approvals of various categories- salaries, equipment, travel, equipment, etc.
• Proactively elicited procurement requests for new and on-going activities e.g. incremental funding, scope changes, budget re-alignments. In addition, independently managed the procurement process from review of documents to ensure regulatory compliance through RFP/RFAs, cost analysis, to modifications as required.
• Alerted the CO/AO of any possible contractual deficiencies, conflicts of interest on issues of performance, unacceptable progress or disputes, work stoppages, payment problems or default and recommend courses of action documenting the process for the contract files.
• As an Alternate Focal Point, registered and initiated contractor performance evaluations in the Contractor Performance Assessment Report (CPARs), followed- up, guided and reviewed Contracting Officer’s Representative (COR) input to ensure that they provided candid and objective performance information with elaborate justification of their assessment and in a timely manner.
• Used the Global Acquisition and Assistance (GLAAS) web-based system to create solicitations, award documents and subsequent and modifications.
• Reviewed grantee's procurement systems and procedures in response to Regional Inspector General (RIG) audit recommendations, reports of fraud or misuse. Conducted periodic financial reviews on active awards for the purpose of certifying their procurement system and procedures, contracting procedures, internal controls, employee qualifications, procurement and contract administration systems, and similar functions.
(b) Training, Coaching and Mentoring
Responsible for mentoring, training, and coaching A&A personnel within USAID/Nigeria/OAA in performing all pre-award and post-award functions. On- the-job training included reviewing and proofreading documents for quality control before they are provided to the Contracting/Agreement Officer(s) for action and approval; including providing training, mentoring, and coaching is in both A&A related matters and other aspects of professional development to improve staff’s non-technical (“soft”) skills. Guided by individual competencies and needs, provided guidance and feedback in areas the specialists needed help in, created a safe space for sharing information, and served as a tool of accountability to ensure progress is made and ensured alignment with their other duties and responsibilities.
Worked toward empowering Nigerian colleagues to ensure they ultimately performed A&A functions independently with limited support from a CO/AO. Provided explanation, examples, research tools and tips to colleagues, including technical and other support offices, but with a focus on staff handling A&A actions. Over the last 6 years mentored FSN staff from cradle to grave, on CRB and other multiple procurement actions leading to award of $225m, $90m and $600m Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity contracts (IDIQs), and subsequent Task Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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Orders (TO); 6 U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) local assistance awards and multiple bilateral contracts ranging with over $50m in value. Worked with Development Objective Teams to develop CRB pre- solicitation and pre-award packages for a
$53m award, Annual Program Statement and Notice of Funding Opportunity using co-creation methodology for 6 PEPFAR awards with a cumulative ceiling of $314,069,742.00 in total. Also successfully trained one FSN staff on closeouts.
(c) Recurring group engagement
Held group engagements for colleagues on A&A topics in which A&A Specialists had limited hands-on experience or soft skills such as navigating work relationships, effectiveness and efficiency at work, leadership, creative thinking, and critical thinking. Together with the OAA Office leadership, led resolution of recommendations following a Procurement System Review (PSR) conducted by OAA/Washington Evaluation Division. Jointly conducted brown bag sessions on conducting market research and developing evaluation criteria, as part of resolving PSR recommendations. Worked with AORs/CORs and A&A Specialists to ensure compliance with mandated filing policy to maintain official award files in the Agency Secure Image and Storage Tracking (ASIST) system. Conducted Pre-Application and Pre-Proposal Conferences, and Co-Creation workshops. Worked with technical offices and program to collaborate with prospective and existing local partners through pre-application and co-creation webinars/workshops, thereby fostering the New Partnerships Initiative. Familiar with A&A Strategy guiding principles and requirements, worked with new local partners under the New Partnerships Initiatives, through use of co- creation process.
Developed presentations for training for staff as well as implementing partners. Program Assistant, Administrative Assistant and Executive Assistant to Office of the Director, USAID/Malawi 1989 – 2011
• Served as liaison between the office of the Director, the Embassy, senior level Government of Malawi officials, contractors, grantees and non-governmental organizations.
• Provided leadership, guidance and training in administrative and secretarial duties to other secretaries of the Mission; and served as a representative of the support staff in the Mission Training Committee, conducting training needs assessments and assisted in drawing up training plans for the support staff category
• Provided Administrative and Program Support to Administrative Secretary and Program Assistant - Agriculture and Food Security and Health Office; Human Resources Development Office; Democracy and Governance and Education Offices. Drafted and processed a variety of obligating documents, such as implementation letters, MAARDs, program and budget plans, financial management and similar reports. Assisted project managers in analyzing project expenditures and preparing quarterly accruals and other financial and budget data. Kept track of budget data on each grant of the projects and maintained information on obligations, expenditures, pipeline figures and balances of each project activity.
• Performed various participant training tasks such as pre-departure procedures for participant training i.e. maintaining effective communication at team level with Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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fellows/associates, contractors and grantees, assisting in pre-departure orientation, travel arrangements and visa requirements, funding documents and conducting participant's follow up activities e.g. award ceremonies and seminars. Operated and maintained the Participant Training Management System (PTMS), and related training information software.
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
• Expert knowledge on Federal and USAID Acquisition and Assistance Regulations, policies and procedures for writing and administering various types of implementing instruments. Proactive and result oriented business and development professional with diverse experience in all aspects of procurement, management and administration.
• Comprehensive understanding of the USAID programming cycle. Experience in activity design process including discussions leading to selection of implementing instrument, development of Individual Acquisition Plans, Statement of Work (SOW), Performance Work Statements (PWS), Statement of Objectives (SOO) and Program Descriptions (PD), instructions to offerors or applicants, and evaluation factors or merit review criteria.
• Self-motivated professional with strong analytical and organizational skills, with ability to work under very minimal supervision. Exceptional, reliable and well- disciplined, with proven ability to manage multiple and highly complex assignments efficiently under extreme pressure while meeting tight deadlines on schedule.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and multi-tasking skills. Strong team builder and facilitator who fosters an atmosphere that encourages talented procurement and business professionals to excel. Ability to work in a kind, collegial and effective manner with technical officers, peers, and supervisors, individually and in a team environment.
• Highly respected and valued by colleagues and supervisors for extraordinary contributions and a dependable team player who interacts well and works cooperatively with diverse personalities and with all levels of professionals, from supervisors, upper management, to contractors, recipients and other development partners.
• Total awareness about, and acceptance of, the required standards of ethics and integrity.
• Excellent computer and intra- and internet research skills. Proficiency in standard operating and application software (Windows, Google Workspace (G Suite), Microsoft Word and Excel). Comprehensive knowledge in operating GLAAS, ASIST, CPARS and Abacus applications.
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
• MBA General – 2011 (Management College of Southern Africa, South Africa)
• MBA Foundation Certificate in Management Studies – 2005 (Management College of Southern Africa, South Africa)
• Diploma in Human Resource Management (Cambridge Tutorial College - 2001
• Diploma in Management & Administration (Cambridge Tutorial College - 2001 All credentials mentioned above have been reviewed and evaluated to be US equivalent Bachelor’s degree and Associate Degree by:
International Academic Credential Evaluators, Inc. P.O. Box 2465 Denton, TX 76202-2465, USA
1-940-***-**** / *****@*****.***
Masters Certificate in Acquisition and Contracting (2018) - American Graduate University Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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PROFESSIONAL TRAINING
Leadership Course:
• Federal Executive Institute (FEI) Emerging Leader Program 2014
• Mentoring Effectively – 2011 (online)
• Supervisor Certification Course - 2019
A&A Related Courses Attended
• U.S. Federal Acquisition Council Certification (FAC-C) Level III certified
(10/03/2018), also known as FAC-C Professional
• Current with relevant FAC-C and FAC-COR Continuous Learning training courses
• CFCM Online Preparatory Course Fall 2022 – 40 CLPs (01/31/2023) Conferences and Other Courses Attended
• CO Conference – 2004, 2008
• A&A Professionals Conference – 2010
• Joint CFO/CO Professional Conference – 2011
• OT611 Foreign Affairs Counter Threat Course - 2014
• High Threat Security Overseas Seminar – 2020
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Member of National Contract Management Association (NCMA) - Member ID # 742521 Nyembezi Mfune, 1600 S Eads St, Apt 435S, Arlington, VA 22202 Cell Nos: +1-301-***-****
E-mail: *************@*****.***
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PROFESSIONAL REFERENCES
Name Contact Details Relationship
Mr. Gerald T. Smith
Supervisory
Contracting/Agreement
Officer, Washington
Operations, Bureau for
Management, Office of
Acquisition and Assistance
(OAA)/Global Health
Security (GHS)
Email:
*******@*****.***
Current CO Supervisor for
GHS Actions
Ms. Jeanette Hahn,
Chief, PSC Rules and Policy
Division, Bureau for
Management, OAA
Email:
*****@*****.***
Current Supervisor for
PSC Actions
Ms. Chitahka ‘Chai’
Floore,
Deputy Director of Foreign
Operations
USAID/Washington
E-mail:
*******@*****.***
Former Supervisor and
Office Director
USAID/Nigeria
Christopher Frost
A&A Lab Coordinator
Senior Procurement Analyst
Evaluation Division
M/OAA/ACTS/E
******@*****.***
Former
Supervisor/Regional A&A
Officer
USAID/Southern Africa
(covering Malawi
Mission)
Jaimee Eingurt
Deputy Project Director
USAID Boost XLA
E-mail:
********@***.***
Deputy Project Manager
BOOST Contract with
USAID
Marva Butler
Deputy Office Director,
OAA USAID/Nigeria
E-mail:
*******@*****.***
+234 803-***-****
Director, Office of
Acquisition and
Assistance
USAID/Nigeria
Mr. Yves Kore
Director, OAA
USAID/Nigeria
E-mail:
*****@*****.***
Former Office Director
Office of Acquisition and
Assistance,
USAID/Nigeria
Ms. Patrice Lopez
OAA, USAID/Mozambique
E-mail:
********@*****.***
Former
Contracting/Agreement
Officer USAID/Nigeria
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