We are now approximately two and a half weeks away from the Coalition’s 35th Anniversary Celebration, Excellence in Partnership Honors and the 2014 Fall Conference. On November 5th and 6th the Coalition will be hosting a Myth-Busters dialogue with government and industry. The central themes will be fostering partnership between government and industry, supporting common sense in government procurement and creating professional opportunities for returning Veterans! These three themes are central to a procurement system that delivers best value for the American people! I am looking forward to seeing all of you there!
Today, I am pleased to announce our 2014 Lifetime Acquisition Excellence Honorees:
Kathy Jocoy, Management Services Center, Post Award Acquisition Division Director, General Services Administration
In her role supporting GSA’s portfolio of professional services schedules Kathy’s leadership and management skills have made a best value difference in MOBIS, LOGWORLD, Environmental Services, PES and the Consolidated Schedules. Kathy’s 37 years of commitment to excellence reflect the best in public service!
Steve Viar, Director, FEDSIM, General Services Administration
Steve Viar started with GSA in 1978! He began his career in the FSS Tools Center; ultimately moving to FEDSIM in 1988 where he has served ever since. An outstanding acquisition professional, Steve served as a contracting officer managing complex information technology procurements that made FEDSIM a “best in class” procurement organization recognized across the federal government. Steve now heads up FEDSIM, managing a staff of 135 who deliver best value solutions to customer agencies like DHS, DOD and FDIC every day.
Joanne Woytek, Program Manager, NASA SEWP, National Aeronautics and Space Agency
Joanne is the driving force and leader of one of the most successful information technology contract vehicles in the federal government. NASA SEWP is recognized as a leader in providing customer focused, best value information technology products and services. Under Joanne’s leadership, NASA SEWP now processes over 25,000 orders annually accounting for over $2.5 billion in customer agency purchases. NASA SEWP is known throughout government and industry for its efficiency and effectiveness in supporting agency missions.
Jan Frye, Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Acquisition and Logistics,
Department of Veterans Affairs
Jan has a long and outstanding career in public service as an acquisition professional. A retired Army Colonel, Jan served in senior acquisition and logistics positions throughout his 30 year career. Among other Army posts, he served as Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting in Eighth U.S. Army/US Forces Korea and as Deputy Principal Assistant Responsible for Contracting, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Among his many military honors and decorations is the Legion of Merit.
At the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Jan currently leads one of largest acquisition and logistics operations in the Federal government. Not only he is responsible for implementation of department wide acquisition policies and procedures; he is also a driving force behind the VA Acquisition Academy located in Fredrick, Maryland. Jan also serves as a member of the Committee for Purchase from People who are Blind or Severely Disabled, appointed by President Obama in October 2011.
Congratulations to our Lifetime Acquisition Excellence recipients! The 2014 Excellence in Partnership Award winners for the remaining categories will be announced in next week’s Friday Flash. We look forward to honoring all of the outstanding public servants/acquisition professionals on November 5th!
See you all there!
Roger Waldron
President