IT Product & Solution Specialist for Federal Systems

Bernard L Manford

Owing Mills MD 240-***-**** ️ **************@***.***

Professional Summary

Demonstrated competency in delivering IT solutions within federal system environments, supporting system development, modernization, and operational initiatives for government clients. Experienced in translating mission and business requirements into functional and technical specifications while ensuring compliance with federal standards, security controls, and contractual requirements. Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including client stakeholders, developers, cybersecurity, QA, and vendors, to deliver high-quality, scalable technology solutions.

Skilled in supporting Agile and SDLC-based delivery models, including requirements analysis, backlog refinement, sprint planning support, user acceptance testing, and release coordination. Adept at analyzing system performance, managing change, and supporting continuous improvement initiatives that enhance service delivery, reliability, and user experience. Recognized for strong communication, analytical thinking, and stakeholder engagement in fast-paced, client-focused environments.

Core Competencies

IT Support & Troubleshooting

Systems & Network Administration

Cloud Computing (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

Cybersecurity & Risk Management

Enterprise Software Implementation

IT Asset & Vendor Management

Virtualization (VMware, Hyper-V)

Scripting (PowerShell, Python)

ITIL & Service Management

Project Management (Agile, Waterfall, SDLC)

Professional Experience

United States Postal Service (USPS) – Washington, DC

IT Product Development Specialist

August 2024 – Present

Product Strategy & Planning

Support the development and lifecycle management of USPS IT products and digital services aligned with Postal Service business goals.

Translate business needs from USPS stakeholders (operations, logistics, finance, HR, customer experience) into functional and technical requirements.

Assist in creating product roadmaps, feature backlogs, and release plans.

Participate in cost-benefit analysis, feasibility studies, and return-on-investment (ROI) assessments.

CGI Federal – Fairfax, VA

IT / Procurement Specialist

May 2008 – July 2020

• Provided IT support and procurement management for federal contracts, ensuring compliance with Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and agency-specific IT requirements.

• Oversaw procurement of IT hardware, software, and services, negotiating vendor contracts that reduced costs by 15% while maintaining service quality.

• Coordinated with cross-functional teams to plan and implement IT modernization projects for federal clients, including system migrations and security upgrades.

• Maintained IT asset management database, tracking lifecycle from procurement through deployment and retirement.

• Supported end-users with troubleshooting, application support, and system administration, ensuring minimal downtime for critical government operations.

• Conducted vendor performance reviews and developed IT service agreements that improved accountability and service delivery.

• Assisted project managers with compliance reporting, risk management, and contract closeout documentation for IT-related programs.

Technical Skills

Agile / SDLC Support

Agile/Scrum ceremonies (backlog grooming, sprint planning, demos, retrospectives).

System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) documentation and governance.

Product progress tracking using USPS-approved tools (e.g., Jira, ServiceNow, internal USPS platforms).

Change management Support, defect tracking, and release coordination.

Stakeholder & Cross-Functional Coordination

Collaborate with USPS IT development teams, vendors, and contractors.

Communicate product status, risks, and dependencies to program managers and leadership.

Support coordination with Cybersecurity, Legal, Procurement, and Privacy offices.

Facilitate product reviews, user feedback sessions, and stakeholder briefings.

Testing, Deployment & Quality Assurance

Support User Acceptance Testing (UAT) and validation of system functionality.

Ensure solutions meet performance, accessibility, and compliance standards.

Assist in deployment planning, cutover activities, and post-implementation reviews.

Document lessons learned and recommend process improvements.

Data, Performance & Continuous Improvement

Monitor product performance metrics and service levels

Analyze system data to identify enhancements and optimization opportunities

Support modernization initiatives, including cloud migration, system integration, and automation.

Contribute to continuous improvement of USPS IT product development processes.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

Southern New Hampshire University – Manchester, NH

Graduation: December 2024

Certifications

ISC2 SSCP, Security Administrator (Pursuing)

Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt

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