M. COOPER

Joined the Engineering & Applied Sciences (EAS) division mid September 2020 as a Technical Analyst V.  Relocated from Newport, Rhode Island to the Washington D.C. area.  As a dynamic professional with a proven track record in diverse areas, I have successfully spearheaded impactful initiatives and contributed significantly to organizational success. My experience includes the development of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) hiring toolkit at RAND Corporation, earning me a prestigious Spotlight Award for recognition.

Assuming a leadership role at RAND, I have been entrusted with spearheading comprehensive Congressional studies, including Cost-Benefit Analyses (CBAs) and Analyses of Alternatives (AOAs) for major acquisitions of multibillion-dollar programs. These studies serve as instrumental tools for informed decision-making and defense acquisition investments.
Beyond technical expertise, I have provided strategic and technical leadership for organizational management portfolios, aligning them with strategic plans and goals. I am a recognized representative of RAND, delivering technical and thought leadership at events, conferences, and workshops, contributing to best practices in business and acquisition management.
Skills: Evidence-based Management · Risk Assessment · Literature Reviews · FAR · Qualitative & Quantitative Research Methodologies · Supply Chain Management · PRINCE2 · Getting to Outcomes · AoA · Machine Learning · Systematic Reviews · Strategic Human Resource Planning · Data-driven Decision Making · Government Contracting · Analysis of Alternatives · Evaluability Assessment · Workship Development · Risk Management · CBA · Human Subjects Research · Mixed Methods Research

Program Manager/Integrator for NAVY PMS 495 unmanned mine neutralization vehicle.  Led a team of multifunctional subject matter experts in the evaluation and reporting of program cost, schedule, and technical performance to include prediction of future program performance.  Ensured that relevant programmatic information was shared, coordinated, and communicated in a timely fashion among various functional experts, our customers, and other stakeholders to include DCMA (Fourth Estate) leadership.  Analyzed contract compliance with requirements indicated in the (Request For Proposal and Statement of Work (SOW)).  Researched and developed plans for alternative courses of action in order to mitigate emerging program risks. Document program performance in monthly program assessment reports (PAR) used for enterprise management and Congressional reviews. Reviewed and/or issue Risks, Issues, Opportunities & Observations (RIOs) reports every month to assess risks for critical path key performance parameters; and plan measures to mitigate exposure to programs – used for Congressional reporting. Established formal lines of communication with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontractors.Acted as Defense Contract Management Agency - DCMA representative to the procuring customer and leads a Program Support Team (PST) comprised of functional experts, including Earned Value Management Expert, Engineers, Quality Assurance Specialists, Industrial Specialists, and Contracting personnel. Led a team of 14 subject matter expert in the evaluation and reporting of program cost, schedule, and technical performance to include prediction of future program performance and ensure that relevant programmatic information is shared, coordinated, and communicated in a timely fashion amongst various functional experts, other stakeholders, and DCMA leadership. Documented program performance in monthly program assessment reports (PAR), which is to be posted to the appropriate DCMA location for enterprise analysis. Reviewed and/or issue Risks, Issues, Opportunities & Observations (RIOs) reports every month to assess risks for critical path key performance parameters; and plan measures to mitigate exposure to programs – used for Congressional reporting. Established formal lines of communication with the Program Office, Prime, and Subcontractors.

Skills: Supply Chain Management · Program Management · PRINCE2 · Earned Value Management (EVM) · Logistics Management · Risk Management · Six Sigma Black Belt

Proposal management focus to include production and review of tenders. Generated and reviewed RFA and RFP bid solicitations and preparing cost proposals with supporting data for conformity with government agencies and company policies. Ensured compliance with appropriate regulations including Federal Acquisition (FAR/DFARs).  Primary contact and interface with international customers for discussions of significant issues, negotiation of major proposals; and assurance that all aspects of programs are considered and evaluated requiring advanced and comprehensive knowledge of international procurement laws and regulations; and an in-depth understanding and working knowledge of business development, finance, law, import/export, letters of credit, and other international contractual agreements. Skills: PRINCE2 · Project Bidding · Cost Analyst · Source Selection · Defense Contracting · Bid Evaluation · Proposal Management

Developed and implemented Life Cycle Cost estimates, Risk and Sensitivity Analysis, Projected vs. Actual Expenditures, and Budget estimates. Regularly applied related US, European, and NATO budgetary and procurement laws and policies in the procurement of supplies, materiel, and services for NATO Nations. Conducted price analysis of bids entered for International Competitions and Request for Proposal tenders. Assisted the NC3A Business Process owners and managers in analyzing, defining problem areas, and improving business processes. Developed software in relation to computer-based databases and decision aids. Established and maintained internal professional contacts with other Agency staff, all national Delegations, and NATEXs in order to further strategic planning and implementation efforts for NATO. Designed and developed mathematical, econometric, and statistical models to improve the development and execution of military systems and programs.