Grants Management Specialist

Belinda Louise Bedran

**** ********** *****, ***

Greenbelt, MD 20770

Evening Phone: 301-***-**** or Day Phone: 301-***-****

Email: *********@*****.***

WORK EXPERIENCE:

DHS/FEMA March 2003 – February 2009

500 C. Street, SW

Washington, DC 20472

Grants Management Specialist (GS-13) : Served as a Grants Management Specialist (GS-13) for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS/FEMA) in the Office of Grants Program Directorate for 6 years. I evaluated, analyzed and administered approximately 30 grant/cooperative agreement programs. Grant programs include, Fire Grants, National Preparedness Grants and Disaster Assistance. I performed the full range of the grant life cycle of Federal Assistance Service.

Grant Administration: Served as a customer service representative for Grants Program Directorate and a liaison to the Program Office and the Regional Staff. I analyzed, evaluated, reviewed and processed approximately 4,000 or more grant applications and awards during the past six years. I interpreted and applied all aspects of the grant laws, regulations, policies and procedures. Provided technical assistance for various grant administration issues.

I applied OMB Circular guidelines to grants/cooperative agreements such as A-133 to conduct Single Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations, Cost principles circulars: A-21 for educational institutions, A-122 for non-profit organizations and A-87 for states, local governments and tribal organizations, A-102 Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements with State and Local Governments, A-110, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements for grants and agreements with Institutions of Higher Education, Hospitals, and Other Non-profit Organizations.

Received on the job training and course training from Management Concepts, Inc. In February 2006, I received my Federal Grant Certificate for completing the following required grant courses: Introduction to Grants and Cooperative Agreements, Monitoring Grants and Cooperative Agreements for Federal Personnel, Uniform Administrative Requirements: Cost Principles, Audit of Federal Grants and Cooperative Agreements, Evaluating Federal Funds Management Capabilities and Understanding National Policy Requirements. Assisted with Katrina Disaster Acquisition Project. Participated in the initial processing of purchasing trailer homes for affected disaster victims.

Conducted multiple and various complex evaluations of program guidance’s, grant proposals, negotiations of grant applications, budget reviews, program narratives, cost overrun/underrun, deobligations, cash on hands analysis, amendments, grant adjustments notices, modifications, payment and reimbursement request. Communicated in writing, in person and orally over the telephone. Communicated in writing utilizing various electronic tracking systems and email communication. I provided technical assistance to Management, Program Office, Grant Recipients, Regional Representatives/Specialists and stakeholders. I utilized multiple electronic automated grants and payment tracking systems: AFG, PARS, Protrac, GMS, and IFMIS. Conducted researches and ran various reports utilizing various online resources and websites. I analyzed and processed various and multiple amendment request for period of performance extensions, modifications, budget increase and closeout reports. Requested appropriate documentation to complete the closeout process. Reviewed and analyzed request for extension of grant/cooperative agreement performance period. Approved or denied extension request in consultation with Program Specialist. I participated in several yearly panel reviews. Served as co-chair panel, pre-screened, evaluated, analyzed and applied grant policy and procedures during the pre-award process. I performed the preparation, execution, and/or tracking of grants within the grant program directorate's branch. I performed work involved in collection, compilation, tracking of data and statistical information. Reviewed and analyzed, in coordination with Program Specialist, change of scope and budget revisions, and make recommendations for approval. Prepared formal written response approving or denying.

Financial Requirements: I performed various and multiple administrative and financial analysis of grant

applications. I conducted analysis of budget reviews/cost analysis reviewed match requirements, allowable and unallowable costs/projects other rules and regulations that govern the grant and have an impact on budget. Reviewed budget summary sheets, to ensure all costs are eligible, allowable, allocable and reasonable based on Program Guidance and OMB circulars and CFR. Checked calculations of Personnel cost, fringe benefits, travel expenses, equipment, contractual agreements, indirect cost and other services. I de-obligated unused federal funds, adjusted negotiated grant proposals, processed on-line payment request, reimbursement request of expenditures and Grant Notice Adjustments for release of funds. I modified and adjusted grant applications in accordance to the Program Office Guidance and negotiations with Grantees Recipients. I provided technical assistance to the Program Specialist, Grant Recipients and Regional Field Specialists regarding any concerns or complaints regarding modification to grant applications. Managed and monitor grants, audits, amendments, revisions, performance reports and financial status reports. I composed various written correspondence and amendment approval/denial notification letters.

Monitoring: Conducted multiple internal audits to ensure accountability of grant performance and federal funds. Conducted reporting and analysis, manage, collect, report and tract grant financial data, in a centralized manner across the agency and respond to data calls, Conducted internal to obtain grantee data collections of Grant Recipients procurement policies, annual operating budgets, official grant files, recordkeeping files, financial reporting, property acquisition records, performance reporting, inventory, invoices, purchase orders, expenditures and single audit reports. Served as a representative for DHS/FEMA in the field while conducting on-site visits. I traveled yearly to monitor and conduct multiple site visits for assigned states. I presented oral presentation on behalf of the Department of Homeland Security (Grants Program Directorate office. I prepared site-visit reports, desk audits, provided correction action plans when required. Grantee Data Collections were conducted I various methods, on-site visits, case records and central electronic tracking database. I participated in the development of a Grants Branch Handbook and Grant Workshop in order to train grantees on how to manage their grant awards.

FEMA March 2002 – March 2003

Belcrest Road

Hyattsville, MD

Human Service Specialist (equivalent GS-7) : Served as a Human Resources Specialist, III (equivalent to Grants Management Specialist , GS-7) in the Office of Federal Disaster Assistance. Experience consisted of in-bound Call Center Operations. Served as contact representative and liaison to grantees and program officials. Assessed, advised, and assisted grantees from various backgrounds on all levels through oral and written communication skills utilizing an automated tracking system and an electronic e-mail system. Responsibilities and duties consisted of multiple task functions related to the Stafford Act Grants Program process using a variety of standard basic grant guidelines. Communicated orally and in writing with disaster victims. Performed the preparation, execution, and/or tracking of grants, within the branch. Reviewed, analyzed, managed, monitored, administered and processed grant award applications. Responsible for approving or disapproving financial determination decisions for applicants applying for federal grant assistance. Performed routine and basic grant processing duties for nationwide federal grant assistance programs.

Screened and reviewed including incoming and outgoing correspondence, inspection decisions, insurance information, and previous eligibility determination letters. Interpreted complex program information. Reviewed, analyzed and evaluated a large volume of Federal Disaster Grant Assistant applications. Performed quality assurance, internal control and monitoring application processes. Responsible for reviewing, approving and processing forms, request for payments and financial award adjustments. Managed, monitored, edited and updated grant applications utilizing advanced automated tracking system. Performed other duties as assigned. As a Human Service Specialist II, responded to approximately 60 – 100 applicants per week applying for Federal Disaster Grant Assistance Program. Provided registration and helpline intake services. Interviewed incoming callers received from disasters victims over the telephone seeking for Federal Disaster Grant Assistance.

Communicated in writing with caseworkers, composed written summarized statements provided by the grantees concerning the status of application or appeal. Interpreted the policies, regulations and guidelines to all applicants. Communicated orally interviewing and registering disaster applicants over the telephone applying for federal disaster grant assistance, small business loans, Red Cross assistance, disaster unemployment and individual family grant programs. Composed summarized statements into the Nemis 2.0 computerized electronic application tracking system for Federal Disaster Grant applications. Screened and verified registration information given by disaster victims. Routed updated case information to caseworkers and notify public relation office by electronic e-mail of critical time frame and unusual circumstances and public concerns. Maintained casework log records.

U.S. Bureau of the Census August 1999 – September 2001

4700 Silver Hill Road

Suitland, MD

EEO Assistant (GS-6 step 10): Served as an EEO Assistant in the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity. Reviewed, analyzed and processed informal/formal EEO complaints. Communicated in person and orally over the telephone. Interacted with employees and applicants providing customer service to individuals of varied backgrounds on all levels. Facilitated, managed and maintained over 2,000 informal/formal EEO case files. Responded to 100 incoming calls and complaints per day. Processed approximately 100 intake complaints weekly. Provided information on EEO regulations, policies and procedures to complainants, legal office and various district offices. Entered, edited, and updated EEO case files, counselor reports, reports of investigations, appeal status, hearings, remands, acceptance letters and final agency decisions and generated case status reports. Worked occasional overtime as requested.

U.S. Postal Service March 1995 – August 1999

900 Brentwood Road, NE

Washington, DC

Customer Call Agent (PS-4) : Served as a Customer Call Agent, in-bound call center for the US Postal Service (equivalent to an Operator). Responded to over 150 calls per day. Assisted employees and customers with complaints, mail fraud, delivery of social security checks, delay of mail, re-delivery of certified mail, express mail, parcels and tampering of US mail. Researched mail restrictions for customers mailing overseas.

Department of State July 1990 – March 1995

2201 C. Street, NW

Washington, DC

Administrative Secretary (GS-7): Provided over 12 years of administrative and secretarial service to various offices in the U.S. Department of State. Communicated in person and orally over the telephone to various offices in the U.S. Department of State, other agencies and overseas. Prepared written routine memorandums from drafts and written copies. Prepared time and attendance, schedule meetings, set-up conference rooms, made travel request and advances, passports, processed travel vouchers, retirement registrar roster, telegrams, procurement of supplies and other duties as necessary.

EDUCATION:

Eastern High School

Washington, DC

High School Graduate 6/1979

JOB RELATED TRAINING:

Grant Management Certificate 2006

Writing for Results 2007

Introduction to Budget 2006

Leadership Development Workshop 2006

DHS Women’s Leadership Workshop 2008

Utilize 5 various automated database

electronic tracking systems.

Grant Tracking Systems and Computer Skills:

Microsoft Word, Vista, 2007, Excel, Internet Explore, MS Outlook

EEO Tracking System

Automated Acquisition Management System - Protrac

OJP Grants Manager System (GMS)

Payment and Reporting System (PARS)

Assistance to Firefighter Grants System (AFG)

Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS)

Nemis 2.0 computerized electronic application tracking system for Federal Disaster Grant applications.

Grant Websites:

www.whitehouse.gov/OMB/circulars/index.html

http://www.dhs.gov/xoig/rpts/mgmt/editorial_334.shtm

http:www.gao.gov/index.html

Audit clearing house: http://www.harvester.census.gov

Program Guidance

www.DNB.com

http://rates.psc.gov/fms/dca/new_search.html

www.Grants.gov

eGrants.gov

FIP – Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) Codes.

REFERENCES: Sylvia Carroll - DHS/FEMA (Assistance Officer)

Phone Number: 202-***-**** Email Address: ******.*******@***.***

Christine Torres – DHS/FEMA (Grants Management Specialist)

Phone Number 202-***-**** Email Address: *********.******@***.***

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Certified typist - type 60 wpm

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