Kara Alice Pitek
Passionate Problem Solver
Phone:
347.224.4485
Email:
Location:
Alexandria, VA
Hello! I’m Kara
Dedicated and resourceful leader with almost 20 combined years’ experience in project and program management, Federal Acquisition Regulations, and client relationship management. Well-versed in providing expert acquisition guidance and oversight throughout the federal contracting lifecycle while mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. Skilled at developing and implementing SOPs, managing acquisition teams, and implementing process improvements. Proficient in monitoring projects and guiding team members to accomplish tasks accurately under targeted time and budgetary constraints.
EXPERIENCE
September 2022-present
Program Manager
GOLDBELT PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Manage 14 federal procurement professionals in support of pre- and post-award contracting activities and strategic
policy oversight for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Develop and implement QC/QA procedures, tools to streamline efficiencies, and client relationship
management techniques.
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• Provide strategic leadership, technical direction, and guidance to team to strive towards organizational success, improve work productivity, and reduce agency PALT in support of PMO mission objectives.
• Manage budget, reporting, deliverables, contract compliance, and personnel.
August 2022-August 2024
Principal Contracts Administrator
IRON BOW TECHNOLOGIES
Drafted, redlined, negotiated, and managed VA/VHA, SLED, commercial, and subcontractor Purchase Orders/Task Directives, subcontracts, terms and conditions, and Nondisclosure, Business Associate, and Teaming Agreements. Coordinated with account managers and internal stakeholders to execute contractual documentation utilizing expert business judgment and an unwavering commitment to customer service.
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• Ensured compliance with contractual and legal requirements, owner specifications, and government regulations.
• Managed internal and external customer expectations to establish workflow direction and foster continuous quality improvement initiatives.
August 2019-May 2023
GARUD TECHNOLOGY SERVICES
Task Order Manager
Managed several teams on an enterprise-wide BPA that provided expertise to various FEMA components on strategic acquisition planning and PR package development including a PMO with $2B in Level 1 requirements and a $250m procurement shop; efforts included support of acquisition program PPBE forecasting, development and presentation of COR/PM procurement training, and establishment of COR Community of Practice replete with checklists, templates, and workflow diagrams.
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• Streamlined acquisition processes and mission delivery through development of an Acquisition Master Scheduler and SOP to provide procurement guidance and best practices to PMO customers.
• Led strategic planning efforts across BPA, resulting in positive rapport and trust across client agency and Government initiation of over 20 additional TO awards.
December 2016-August 2019
Team Lead
ASI GOVERNMENT
Conducted financial and performance audits to assess United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) FAR and agency policy compliance; implemented corrective actions to drive process improvement and attain set objectives. Developed USDA acquisition policies and procedures based on FAR and Office of Federal Procurement Policy updates.
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• Created and facilitated training and development sessions for USDA acquisition and program office personnel to improve level of awareness and enhance work efficiency.
• Led Acquisition Team that assisted federal agencies in transitioning legacy telecommunications contracts and services to GSA’s Enterprise Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) IDIQ; Designed and facilitated EIS Fair Opportunity and Ordering Guide training course for government and contractor personnel.
September 2014-December 2016
NATIONAL PARK SERVICE
Spearheaded the development and implementation of agency-wide contracting policies, procedures, and guidance. Monitored National Park Service (NPS) internal control system to mitigate risks, safeguard assets, enhance work efficiency, and ensure fulfillment of OMB A-123 Internal Control Guidance requirements.
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• Provided valuable insights as Team Lead for Acquisition Management Reviews to ensure compliance with FAR, Department and Bureau requirements.
• Offered effective oversight for Defense Logistics Agency Energy Interagency Agreement for fuel purchases at all NPS sites across the nation.
EDUCATION
Master of Public Administration
Major in Inspector General Studies:
Political and Regulatory Oversight
JOHN JAY COLLEGE OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE
The Master of Public Administration Inspector General (MPA IG) program is a track of the John Jay College of Criminal Justice MPA degree program and is unique among MPA and public policy programs nationally because of its concentration on the assessment and oversight of performance and integrity in public and independent agencies.
Bachelor of Arts
Major in Political Science
BINGHAMTON UNIVERSITY
Binghamton University’s Political Science program focuses on American politics, political theory, comparative politics, and international relations. The core courses address various topics in American or comparative political systems and institutions, international conflict and civil war, repression, and foreign policy.
High School Diploma
Major in Vocal Music
LAGUARDIA HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART AND PERFORMING ARTS
The mission of this extraordinary specialized high school is to provide all students with conservatory-level arts training coupled with rigorous academics
FORMER CLIENTS & EMPLOYERS
SKILLS
Contract Audit and Oversight
Workforce Development
Stakeholder Engagement
Procurement Policy Implementation
Communications Management
Contract Negotiation
EXPERTISE
PROCUREMENT QC/QA
Conduct performance and financial audits on a variety of agency contracts, perform assessments of agency policies and procedures, and recommend procedural guidance and corrective action.
PROCESS IMPROVEMENT
Performed Acquisition Assessments and workforce analyses to inform and baseline acquisition function strategic plan; developed and implemented PMO acquisition process improvements including production and implementation of a COR training program and establishment of a SharePoint-based COR Community of Practice.
COMMUNICATION
Skilled at bridging gaps between stakeholders with varied interests in an effort to ensure agency mission success.
SERVICE
Eliminated over $600,000 in actual medical liabilities for families in Virginia.