Seasoned Acquisition Leader (Bilingual)

Luis M. Frontera

**************@*****.*** • 939-***-****

LinkedIn • Alexandria, VA, Rehoboth, DE

Results-driven and seasoned professional with rich experience in managing all phases of acquisition cycle, from requirement initiation to contract administration and complex, high-value federal, commercial, and private sector procurement contracts.

Proven expertise in leading end-to-end procurement processes, including negotiation, compliance, and risk mitigation for multimillion-dollar acquisitions. Demonstrated success in managing multimillion-dollar contracts and leading teams to enhance performance and operational success. Strong background in market research, solicitation preparation, and compliance with federal and local regulations, complemented by bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish. Skilled in fostering collaboration among stakeholders to deliver innovative, cost-effective contracting solutions. Strong track record of enhancing operational efficiency through process improvements and workforce development. Trusted advisor to senior leadership on acquisition strategy and policy compliance. Committed to upholding integrity, transparency, and excellence in all contracting activities. I am currently retired.

Areas of Expertise

Contract Negotiation

Office Management

Procurement Planning

Solicitation Development

Risk Assessment & Mitigation

Buying & Acquisition Planning

Federal Acquisition Regulation

Vendor & Stakeholder relations

Regulatory Compliance

Professional Experience

Contracting Officer Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration Oct 2021 – Sep 2025

Led full lifecycle federal acquisitions from requirements development through contract closeout, ensuring compliance with FAR and agency policies. Negotiated complex terms and pricing for contracts using GWACs (e.g., NASA SEWP, NITAAC, GSA), achieving cost savings and risk mitigation. Collaborated with program offices to align procurement strategies with technical needs and budgets. Refined statements of work and developed clear, compliant solicitations to enhance competition and minimize post-award changes. Conducted market research, evaluated proposals, led cost and technical reviews, and supported small business goals. Managed post-award functions including modifications, claims, and invoice validation to protect government interests.

•Managed $9M Washington Union Station-Authority Having Jurisdiction (WUS-AHJ) A&E contract from award through administration, ensuring compliance, technical accuracy, and timely execution to support key infrastructure goals.

•Successfully led pre-award negotiations in liaison with legal, finance, and program stakeholders to finalize risk-mitigated contract terms.

•Secured range of contract solutions—including A&E services, Inter Agency Agreements, training, and supplies—optimizing procurement outcomes across multiple agency departments.

•Provided strategic procurement advice to senior acquisition and program officials, enhancing decision-making and compliance.

•Contributed to 2022 DOT OST Procurement Management Review, identifying process improvements to strengthen oversight.

•Oversaw micro-purchase program as designated Purchase Card Holder, ensuring compliant low-dollar acquisitions.

•Co-led Acquisition Contracting Salon to promote team collaboration, standardize practices, and boost efficiency.

Contract Specialist ARMY Contracting Command – INSCOM, ACC-INSCOM, Ft. Belvoir Mar 2021 – Oct 2021

Collaborated with stakeholders to clarify requirements, issue timely modifications, and implement innovative contracting strategies that improved flexibility and value. Led development of tailored procurement plans across program phases—from design to production—supporting long-term scalability and mission readiness. Oversaw contract performance and spending, mitigating risks and avoiding scope or budget issues. Provided expert briefings to senior leadership, served on source selection boards, and resolved high-impact acquisition challenges.

Supervisory Contract Specialist Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) Manassas, Chantilly, VA Dec 2017 – Mar 2021

Senior acquisition leader directing contract administration and workforce development in support of major defense programs. Served as technical advisor to the CMO Contracts Director, providing expert guidance on high-risk contracts, audits, and acquisition policy. Oversaw a multidisciplinary team, aligning assignments with strategic goals, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring compliance with FAR/DFARS and DCMA policy. Managed resource planning and workload distribution, including virtual performance coordination across CMOs. Led training initiatives and development plans to enhance team capability and mission readiness. Represented the team on cross-functional boards and interview panels, including the Contracting Officers Review Board (CORB), supporting personnel and organizational planning decisions.

•Led and developed a high-performing team of 13 employees across multiple contract-related roles, including ACOs, Contract Administrators, Keystones, and Procurement Technicians.

•Championed workforce development by mentoring and facilitating rotational assignments for Keystone interns to support agency talent renewal.

•Directed key compliance initiatives, including the Manager’s Internal Control Assessment (MICA) for Progress Payments and led Corrective Action Team (CAT) for Contract Audit Follow-Up (CAFU), strengthening internal controls.

Administrative Contracting Officer DCMA Manassas, Chantilly VA May 2016 – Dec 2017

Oversaw full administration of complex contract portfolios, including FFP, CPFF, BOAs, and hybrid agreements supporting high-value systems and services. Reviewed contractor payment requests—progress, performance-based, and financing—to ensure compliance and prompt disbursement. Conducted cost and price analyses, evaluated proposals, and led negotiations to secure fair, compliant, and mission-aligned outcomes. Executed contract closeouts efficiently, resolving final issues and validating completion and payment data.

•Supervised and guided team members by organizing duty assignments to ensure mission objectives were met; reviewed and approved/rejected their completed work products for quality and compliance.

•Headed winning negotiations for supplemental agreements related to spare parts, services, provisioned items, and repairs; established negotiation positions based on audit results, technical analyses, and regulatory guidelines.

•Steered complex contracts for major systems, technical services, and R&D initiatives across multiple contract types, including fixed-price, cost-reimbursement, and hybrid agreements.

•Provided technical advice and instruction to contract administrators regarding interpretation and execution of complex contract.

Procurement & Contract Administrator Caribbean Project Management, CPM – Guaynabo, PR Mar 2003 – May 2016

Managed cradle-to-grave contracting for large-scale infrastructure projects in Puerto Rico, overseeing market research, solicitations, evaluations, awards, administration, and closeout. Developed procurement plans and led contract execution in compliance with PRASA and funding authority requirements. Administered contracts for subcontracted services ensuring scope, schedule, and budget alignment

Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA)

•Oversaw construction contracting for North Region Capital Improvement Program $238M and Led development and implementation of Procurement Plan for Rehabilitation of 121 Water Filtration Plants; Puerto Rico Infrastructure Financing Authority (PRIFA) - Design & Build Program Management for the Modernization of Schools for 21st Century; and Amgen Mfg., Ltd., AML Administration Facilities, Juncos, PR. and Abbott Biotechnology, Ltd.: Humira Project, Barceloneta, PR($350MM).

Education & Qualifications

Master’s degree – Public Administration Troy State University, European Region, Madrid

Bachelor Degree – Business Administration, major in Marketing University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Certifications & Professional Development

Contracting and Acquisition FAC-C Level III / DAWIA Level 3 and Manufacturing, Production and Quality – DAWIA Level 2

Defense Acquisition Corps – 2020

Professional Designation in Contract Management by the National Contract Management Association (NCMA)

Professional Affiliations

Board Member: Falls Church Homeless Shelter – Falls Church, VA

Alumni International: International Association of Students in Economics and Management (AIESEC)

Member St. James Catholic Church Social Outreach Committee

Volunteer St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School

Awards & Accolades

Outstanding Achievement Award (2024) – CPARS Compliance Improvement Execution Team and DOT-FRA Washington DC

Outstanding Achievement Award (2024) – WUS-AHJ contract

Patriot Award (2019) – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

DCMA Commander’s Coin for Excellence 2017 – CAPT Scott L. Hawkins, Commander, 2018 – CAPT Pamela Theorgood, Commander, and 2021 – CAPT Chad Burke, Commander

Technical Proficiencies / Languages

Electronic Contract Management Systems, such as PRISM and DELPHI Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

English & Spanish – Fully Bilingual

Contact this candidate