Technical Writer Secret Clearance
Resume:
William C. Wallack
Washington, DC 20017
*********@***.***
Summary of Qualification
More than 40 years of newswriting and editing experience with both national and international news organizations, including a top U.S. news magazine. Provided polished writing, reporting, editing, and management skills to news wire services and leading energy and environmental newsletters. Has a Secret Clearance and assignments with 12 U.S. government agencies.
Computer Proficiency
MS Office
Adobe Creative Suite
Social Media, including LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, Blogging
Professional Experience
FedTec. LLC, Silver Spring, MD 7/2024 – 12/2024
Technical Writer
Assigned to Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR).
Created Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the WRAIR Help Desk.
Assisted, as needed, multiple teams at WRAIR, including System Administration; Network Administration; Mobile Phone; and Cybersecurity.
Eligible to access Accessed WRAIR’s network after certification in Cyber Awareness Challenge; HIPPA; and AT Level 1.
Envisioneering, Inc., Washington, DC 3/2024—6/2024
Senior Technical Writer
The Senior Technical Writer was responsible for originating, editing, and proofreading government reports, technical manuals, and briefings in support of the Technical Transfer Division of the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL), system architecture and capabilities for radar and communications platforms.
Experience originating, editing, and proofreading of government reports, technical manuals, and briefings in similar type of work and complexity.
Experience researching and documenting findings in various subject areas, using a variety of media, including the internet.
Experience in collating inputs from multiple authors into a cohesive document.
Experience researching, writing, and editing formal research reports, technical manuals, and memorandums.
Experience collecting technical information and preparing written text.
Knowledge of the Navy Style Guide and applicable MILSTDs for manuals.
Use multiple word processing and presentation tools such as MS Word, PowerPoint, Visio, etc. Experience using Microsoft Office and/or LaTex.
Understand basic concepts (including basic grammar concepts), responsible for writing technical copy for various types of documents.
Experience maintaining a current internal documentation library.
Minimum of five years’ experience writing and editing engineering and technical documents.
Sancorp Consulting, LLC, Arlington, VA 11/2023—1/2024
Technical Writer
As a Technical Writer to support the Department of Defense's (DoD’s) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) was responsible for accelerating the adoption of data, analytics, and Artificial intelligence (AI) across the department. The CDAO leads strategy and policy, develops digital solutions, and addresses urgent challenges. The CDAO’s work complies with professional standards, responsible AI concepts, and DoD policy. Technical writing support was needed for AI capabilities development within one directorate. [www.ai.mil]
Researched highly technical subject matter and organized information from multiple sources; expressed technical information in written form that is comprehensible to a wide audience of readers.
Created various daily, weekly, and monthly reports.
Drafted, refined, and edited documents, technical concepts, or solutions into an easy to read, comprehensive, compliant, and compelling document.
Developed outlines and drafts for review and approval by technical specialists and management ensuring that final documents meet applicable contract requirements and government regulations.
Interacted with customer and technical team members for content development, while complying with government style guidelines.
Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), Washington, DC 4/2022—7/2023
Security Technical Writer
As the Security Technical Writer at the U.S. Department of Treasury’s U.S. Mint, in addition to taking meeting minutes, wrote and updated material for reports and related technical and administrative publications concerned with work methods and procedures, and installation, operation, and maintenance.
Refined work of writers and coordinated activities of writers engaged in preparing technical or other material for publication.
Participated in determining objectives of assignment.
Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.
Familiar with Security documents to include System Security Plan (SSP), Authority to Operate (ATO), control assessment reports, Security Assessment Reports (SAR), etc.
Familiarity with National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA,) Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), and Payment Card Industry (PCI) documentation requirements.
Acquisitions Professionals LLC, Washington, DC 2/2022—4/2022
Proposal Writer/Technical Editor
As a Proposal Writer/Technical Editor at the U.S. Department of Labor, provided technical writing support; document formatting, researching, proofing, development, document technical design, document analyzing, editing, and writing easy to read correspondence.
Planned, developed, organized, proofed, and edited operational procedures and reports.
Produced electronic documentation in addition to hard copy.
Managed updates and revisions to technical literature.
Analyzed and tailored documents to maintain continuity of style of content.
Produced high-quality documentation that is appropriate for its intended audience.
Worked with internal teams on product and documentation requirements.
Attended meetings, created project schedules and deadlines, coordinated responsibilities, and prepared presentations.
Iron Vine Security LLC, Washington, DC 9/2021—12/2021
Cyber Technical Writer/Editor
As Cyber Technical Writer/Editor the role facilitates development of effective cybersecurity policy and processes across the National Institutes of Health (NIH), including drafting of cyber and information security policies, standards, processes, procedures, and technical guidance and shepherding them through the appropriate agency review processes.
Wrote and edited cybersecurity technical documents, reports, user manuals, briefings and presentations, functional descriptions, system specifications, guidelines, special reports, and other project deliverables to meet contract requirements. Developed outlines and drafts for review and approval by technical specialists and project management ensuring that final documents meet applicable contract requirements and regulations.
Researched and gathered cybersecurity technical and background information for inclusion in project documentation and deliverables.
Oversaw quality and thoroughness of all published materials throughout the program.
Cerner Corp., Arlington (Rosslyn), VA 10/2020—6/2021
Technical Writer/Quality Analyst
Following the acquisition of AbleVets by Cerner Corp. on October 21, 2020, responsibilities continued to support the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Electronic Health Record Modernization (EHRM) program as Technical Writer on Cerner’s Quality Management Team.
Duties included attending, taking, and editing minutes for Task Orders (TOs) one through 40 Monthly Quality Performance Meetings that occurred on a regular cadence with VA and Cerner staff. Minute taking included various ad hoc meetings as well.
Assigned to document and summarize the quarterly Task Order Management Review (TOMR) meetings that comprise of four days of two and a half hour sessions where VA is briefed on Cerner’s performance. The TOMR is intended to provide a quarterly review of the scope, schedule, and performance of all active, executed TOs in the Cerner EHRM Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Contract.
AbleVets LLC, Chantilly, VA 11/2018—10/2020
Technical Writer/Quality Analyst
As a Technical Writer/Quality Management Analyst on prime contractor Cerner Corp.’s VA’s EHRM program duties include organizing, editing, and providing writing support on non-technical and/or technical materials; as well as ensuring compliance with established quality standards. Duties include taking ownership to ensure documents meet editorial and government specifications and adhering to standards for quality, graphics, coverage, format, and style.
Deliverables may include project management documentation, technical management plans, testing artifacts, migration plans, technical baseline documentation, deployment plans, design documents, user manuals, operations guide, strategy and policy documents, standard operating procedures, and other contract deliverables, all of which must meet customer documentation standards and requirements. Specific responsibilities include:
Editing project documentation for clarity, consistency, organization, and effectiveness
Working directly with Subject Matter Experts to develop content or provide meaningful feedback to improve structure and flow of documentation.
Establish organized mechanisms to properly track development or update of documentation, client reviews and formal submission.
Proactively ensure content development for a document is occurring and escalate risks/issue as needed.
Participating in customer meetings and identifying required potential changes to documentation, taking minutes of the meeting, and updating it on a share site (e.g., MS Teams)
Providing clear, constructive, actionable recommendations to customers for all reviewed documents
Reviewing, editing, and preparing client documents for submission and dissemination
Providing recommendations to improve processes around deliverables management and quality assurance.
Telesis Corp., McLean, VA 02/2018—11/2018
Senior Quality Assurance Analyst/Technical Writer
As a Documentation Specialist/Editor at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration agency, provided a wide variety of internal documentation and publication requirements, including business and client deliverables, and internal communications. Job responsibilities include creating document templates with stipulated font sizes, styles, color palettes, spacing, captions, table styles, etc.; working with designers and writers to create new artwork or text materials; finding and editing graphics, such as photographs or illustrations; importing text and graphics into documents; positioning artwork and text on the page layouts; finalizing formatted documents for printing or electronic publication; editing large documents per Chicago Manual of Style and for compliance with client formatting requirements; organizing and maintaining document libraries per company procedures; filing deliverables and proposals for easy retrieval; extracting and filing reusable content; and adjusting schedule to meet critical milestones.
Modis, Vienna, VA 09/2017—02/2018 (Completed Three-Month Contract)
Technical Writer
As Technical Writer in the Information Technology (IT) department of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, doing business as Amtrak, I was responsible for writing and editing technical documents for projects. Responsibilities included having excellent research skills, ability to organize ideas and to translate technical terms into text that any reader may understand. As an integral part of the cross-functional project team, the position required learning about Amtrak’s products through hands-on experience. Completed writing assignments according to set standards regarding order, clarity, conciseness, style, and terminology. Conferred with business representatives and technical teams to establish technical specifications and to determine subject material to be developed for publication. Interviewed technical representatives and read requirements, product designs, and other materials to become familiar with product technologies and production methods. Developed and maintained installation, configuration, and technical how-to documentation. Selected photographs, drawings, sketches, diagrams, and charts to illustrate material. Role demanded managing multiple assignments simultaneously, while working independently and with others.
Syneren Technologies Corporation, Silver Spring, MD 10/2015—09/2017
Configuration Manager/Executive Secretariat
Promoted to conduct Configuration Management duties and responsibilities in accordance with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS) Performance of Work Statement for Operations Technical Support Services (OBSTECH). Monitored the Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) Request for Change (RC) e-mailbox and arranged RC reviews for ASOS Configuration Control Board (ACCB) members. Entered RCs into the NWS RC tracking system database. RCs were edited to ensure clarity, conciseness, and validity; then checked to make sure implementation steps are aligned with the appropriate RC. Completed RCs were distributed to members and reviewers upon receipt of cost assessments. Reviewer comments were reconciled with RC submitters. Oversaw RC voting process among ACCB members. System-wide RCs required votes from all agencies affected: NWS, Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Air Force. Managed RC adjudication process and worked with stakeholders to resolve any technical conflicts. Arranged quarterly meetings and provided minutes and proceedings for the ASOS Program Management Committee (APMC) as its Executive Secretariat. APMC meetings involved coordinating with the APMC chair and members in selecting a date and time, issuing a call for topics, distributing action item lists for updates, and other logistics. Organized meetings by arranging presenters and finalizing agendas with the chair, program manager and NWS members. Meeting minutes and updated action items were transcribed, edited, and distributed to APMC members for any updates. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
Syneren Technologies Corporation, Silver Spring, MD 07/2014—9/2017
Technical Writer
As a team member of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/National Weather Service (NOAA/NWS) Office of Observations Services Branch, researched subject matter with engineers, wrote and edited material for reports, manuals, proposals, instructional material, catalogs, technical and outreach publications, and software and hardware documentations. Tasks also included obtaining technical data from independent observation, reviews with staff members, and/or studies of published materials and existing documentation. Coordinated efforts of technical artists and illustrators in preparing reports, articles, and publications of internal and external distribution. Obtained background information on technologies, methods, and standards. Revised text and recommended changes in scope, format, and content to ensure consistency with established standards. High degree of creativity and latitude was required. Relied on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals. Performed a variety of tasks. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
Freelance Editorial Services, Washington, DC 09/2013—07/2014
Technical Writer/Editor
As technical writer/editor for BCV Solutions, Inc., of Bowie, MD, supported U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration in publishing its Headquarters Continuity of Operations Plan—which complies with Executive Branch policy and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) directives.
As editor/writer for Paragone Solutions, Inc. of Vienna, VA, processed proposal for editorial services contract to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), responding to agency Request for Proposal.
As technical writer/editor for Information Experts of Reston, VA, developed training tools for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) aiding the agency in establishing its new travel policy. Negotiated with CFPB subject matter experts on various levels of interactive slide decks in PowerPoint presentations that featured graphics and narration.
Kelly Government Solutions/1st Choice LLC, Washington, DC 04/2013—08/2013 (Completed Three-Month Contract)
Technical Writer/Editor
Provided technical writing and editing expertise with several publishing tools for the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s (OCC’s) Publication Services department, which is part of its Public Affairs Division. Reviewed and proofread editorial materials and corrected inconsistencies in words, usage, grammar, clarity, style, format, pagination, alignment, font styles, font sizes, font colors, footnotes, etc. Reviewed, wrote, rewrote, copyedited, and helped others to draft editorial material in tight turnaround times and sometimes under high-stress publishing situations. Wrote and copyedited headlines, photo captions, tables, listings, charts, and data. Edited narrative and numerical data for graphic display. Ensured other professional publishing standards were handled consistently throughout a product. Used critical thinking to tailor publications for audiences with various levels of knowledge and demonstrated analytical skills by applying timely and effective solutions. Consistently produced high-quality products and ensured data integrity with document conversions. Balanced competing work demands and shifted focus with equanimity as priorities changed. Collaborated across the agency using excellent people skills and diplomacy. Provided excellent customer service while adhering to customer’s guidance and publishing specifications. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
HireStrategy/AAC, Inc., Washington, DC 10/2012—04/2013 (Completed Six-Month Contract)
Technical Writer
Collaborated, designed, and wrote policies and procedures for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Office of Technology and Innovation—which oversees the agency’s information technology (IT) service desk and its technical asset management operations: everything from laptops and software to the CFPB Web site. Engaged productively with all CFPB and U.S. Department of Treasury subject matter experts (SMEs) to draft appropriate content for IT-related user guides and training manuals. SMEs included developers, project managers, training instructors, project leads, and testers. Developed the standard design, layout, and format of the documentation using approved software tools and templates. Performed tests on user documentation against the product in conjunction with the SMEs to ensure the procedure’s technical accuracy and to rectify any discrepancies. Managed each defined project responsibly and on schedule including planning time for necessary reviews of documentation. Anticipated projects in development stage and communicated with the team manager to allow for adequate planning. Provided system diagrams of the existing processes and proposed system enhancements. Maintained database of all versions of documents in process, baselined, and completed. Served as backup in IT training sessions for new CFPB staff. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
Science Applications International Corp. (SAIC), Washington, DC 12/2010—10/2012
Technical Writer
Provided support as an editing specialist for the Communications Support Services Center (CSSC) at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) headquarters. Effectively managed workload to ensure each publication met NASA standards and export control specifications. Technical documents go through CSSC for editing, formatting, graphic design, and all phases of document production. Services include multi-media publishing support for scientific, technical, and administrative documents. Collaborated with authors to communicate information clearly, concisely, accurately, and quickly. Before publication, documents flow through a rigorous quality assurance process that includes technical editing, formatting, and peer review. Assisted authors with incremental writing and editing from project initiation through product delivery of newsletters, reports, articles, brochures, posters, and other publication needs. Editing and formatting services ensured that all documents met NASA guidelines and various standards mandated for specific publications. Ensured documents were prepared or finalized in accordance with Section 508 compliance requirements. Responsible for editing and the publication of “Celebrating 30 Years of the Space Shuttle Program,” [http://www.nasa.gov/connect/ebooks/shuttle_retrospect_detail.html]. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
DKW Communications, Inc., Washington, DC 10/2009—11/2010
Technical Writer
Reviewed, drafted, and analyzed regulatory and policy materials for the U.S. Agency for International Development’s (USAID’s) Automated Directives System—where agency policy directives, required procedures and optional materials are issued. Collaborated with government officials in the development of new regulations. Researched various online sources for additional federal regulations. Conducted computer training classes and gave PowerPoint presentations to USAID employees before deployment to foreign missions. The position required Public Trust Clearance.
DB Consulting Group, Inc., Rockville, MD 02/2006—02/2007
Editor
Developed strict standards for editorial excellence for all outgoing products and deliverables under the Neighborhood Networks contract, a community-based U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) multifamily housing initiative. Implemented all aspects of quality control and quality assurance procedures and processes, in accordance with HUD standards and the U.S. Government Printing Office’s (GPO) Style Manual. Oversaw the monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement of all Neighborhood Networks products and deliverables.
DB Consulting Group, Inc., Silver Spring, MD 07/2005—02/2006
Senior Writer/Editor
Participated in billable project work by meeting with client program staff to determine publications support and related writing and editing needs. This involved reviewing meeting proceedings and other documents prepared by the scientific writers and materials prepared by the graphics staff before their submission to the client. These clients were the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agency and divisions of the National Institutes of Health campus: The National Cancer Institute, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Other responsibilities included preparing a style guide and quality control program for document development and production, identifying resource needs, participating in the selection of new publications staff, mentoring publications staff, preparing reports and other publications from outlines or draft materials provided by project staff, researching background materials, and conducting literature searches when needed. Took notes, transcribed, and prepared meeting minutes. Proofread and edited the work of junior writers and consultants.
Nuclear Energy Institute (NEI), Washington, DC 2001—2005
Writer
Served as editor of Nuclear Energy Overview, a weekly industry newsletter that apprises NEI members of ongoing developments and all major industry issues in which NEI provides guidance and leadership. Researched and authored articles on Capitol Hill energy-related policies and legislation, regulatory issues, key events in the nuclear energy and electricity marketplace, international nuclear energy news, and advancements in all NEI activities. Planned and coordinated story assignments among writers in the editorial department. Assisted in updating fact sheets, policy and issue briefs, presentations, brochures, and other editorial materials. Responsible for expansion of the newsletter from six to 12 pages. Managed the publication through a redesign and transition to an electronic format.
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Washington, DC 2000—2001
Associate Editor
Reported and wrote for Nucleonics Week, Inside N.R.C., and NuclearFuel, while contributing brief news items to Nuclear News Flashes—a daily electronic digest service. Covered all aspects of the nuclear energy industry from a regulatory, legislative, and policy-based angle. Focus was on U.S. nuclear fuel cycle facilities and materials.
Various News Organizations, Washington, DC 1999—2000
Freelance Reporter
Reported for a number of non-energy trade publications including Inside Mortgage Finance, Waste News (a Crain Publication), and Government Computer News (a Washington Post-Newsweek publication). Spent three months in the news department of National Public Radio.
BridgeNews, Washington, DC 1996—1999
Senior Reporter
Initiated coverage of the regulatory, legislative, and business developments surrounding the electric utility industry at the onset of restructuring, including mergers and acquisitions, the development of power markets and the electricity futures contracts. Created two electricity cash pricing tables. Supervised a staff of two reporters located in Los Angeles and Houston. Promoted to Senior Reporter six months after hire. (BridgeNews was formerly Knight-Ridder Financial News.)
Stevens Publishing, Washington, DC 1994—1995
Managing Editor
Published four biweekly environmental newsletters: Environmental Protection News, Water Pollution Control News, Hazmat News, and Waste Management News. Supervised four staff reporters and managed editorial intern program. Assigned and edited stories, produced layout, and monitored publications through all stages of production. Extensively involved with current environmental issues and related activity on Capitol Hill that included: Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, risk assessment and regulatory reform. Promoted to Managing Editor from Senior Editor within six months of hire.
Natural Gas Week, Washington, DC 1990—1994
Associate Editor
Wrote a weekly column on Canadian gas markets and edited two pages of Canadian news briefs from foreign correspondents. Researched and reported domestic and industry roundup stories based on the gathering and analysis of statistics that were later incorporated in 20 pricing tables used throughout the industry. Tracked and evaluated the New York Mercantile Exchange’s natural gas futures and options contracts. Reported on federal agencies involved with fossil fuel legislation: Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Department of Energy, Treasury Department and Congress. Implemented a computerized link between newsroom and field reporters enabling the publication to expand by 20 percent in the first year.
US News & World Report, Washington, DC 1981—1990
Assistant to the Chief of Correspondents
Responsible for the operation of eight domestic and nine foreign news bureaus and managed a stringer network of more than 112 correspondents worldwide. Reported on the Washington, DC, metropolitan area for “News You Can Use” stories. Edited a weekly news digest compiled from bureau reports that was circulated to senior editors for story ideas and wrote editorial press releases. Co-created, planned, and maintained domestic news bureau budget totaling $1.5 million. Streamlined operations, acting as liaison between the news department and accounting office, by introducing improvements in procedures and policy.
Education
Catholic University of America, Washington, DC, 1979
B.A., English/Literary Criticism
Honors and Professional Affiliations
Member, National Press Club
Government Clearances
Public Trust from 2005 and Secret from 2022
Book Editing
While working at NASA, was responsible for editing and the publication of “Celebrating 30 Years of the Space Shuttle Program.”
https://www.nasa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/656773main_ShuttleRetrospectiveBook-ebook.pdf
Additional Activities
Worked part-time at the Barnes & Noble Catholic University of America Bookstore, Washington, DC, as a bookseller, reading to children on weekends.
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