Pamela Kontz

Provided executive leadership for the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) centralized acquisition and grants organization, directing a team of 110+ personnel and managing over $2 billion in annual contract and grant obligations.

Conducted executive review of high-value acquisitions, ensuring the agency was receiving the best value while adhering to applicable federal acquisition regulations.

Served as the executive lead for:

• procurement data requests;

• responses to internal and external inquiries;

• personnel decisions;

• training plans; and

• audit responses.

Directed the office responsible for SSA IT procurements - including hardware, software, and telecommunications - overseeing IT-related awards exceeding $1.3 billion in fiscal year (FY) 2021.

Directed the division responsible for a large number of the agency’s professional services contracts - e.g., contracts for large research projects, surveys, and audits - and all of the agency’s grants.

Led a staff of approximately 40 individuals, six of whom were direct reports.

Mitigated risks by developing innovative acquisition solutions that balanced customer needs with regulatory compliance and proper stewardship of federal funds.

Advised executives and staff within the Office of Acquisition and Grants, as well as executives and staff from customer components, on complex acquisition issues.

Served as the agency’s Acquisition Career Manager, overseeing three federal-wide certification programs.

Reviewed and provided recommendations related to complex, high-value procurements.

Coordinated intra- and inter-agency communications, leading many of the agency’s responses to procurement-related reports or inquiries from external entities such as the Office of Management and Budget and the General Services Administration.

Conducted risk assessments related to functions managed by the Office of Acquisition and Grants.

Developed and delivered both training classes and written guidance for SSA staff within and outside of the Office of Acquisition and Grants.

Led Division responsible for creation, interpretation, and dissemination of acquisition policy and procedures.

Managed the agency’s purchase card program, ensuring compliance with regulation and policy.

Represented SSA on the Civilian Agency Acquisition Council.

Responded to report requests and other inquiries from other federal agencies.

Coordinated responses to audits conducted by the agency’s Office of Inspector General and Government Accountability Office, including tracking the status of recommendation implementation.

Created and conducted training for acquisition professionals and others.

Created, interpreted, and disseminated acquisition policies and procedures.

Advised acquisition professionals on the interpretation of the Federal Acquisition Regulation and agency policy.

Conducted post-award reviews of contracts to ensure they complied with federal regulation and agency policy.

Performed all acquisition duties from acquisition planning through contract administration for acquisitions varying from simple to complex.

Utilized various acquisition methods (e.g., GSA schedule, open market) and contract types (e.g., firm-fixed price, time-and-materials), as appropriate to the acquisition.

Hired as a contract specialist under the Outstanding Scholar Program.

Performed all acquisition duties from acquisition planning through contract administration for acquisitions varying from simple to complex.