ManTech’s Debbie Thurman: FAR, Weapon System Acquisition Reform Act help steer inherently governmental, OCI
Debbie Thurman is senior corporate vice president of contracts, pricing, and procurement for ManTech. Here’s her take on the current contracts environment:
ExecutiveBiz: How is the current discussion of inherently governmental affecting your overall approach to business?
Debbie Thurman: We’re looking at all our contracts, but in general, we believe we’re reasonably well-positioned in terms of what work we may be doing that is inherently governmental. We’re looking at the issue based upon the current definitions included in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR). It is clear to us the insourcing of those key government functions that support government acquisition; audit, contract, and general counsel make a lot of sense. We need our customer’s acquisition workforce to be strong and well-enabled. We believe systems engineering and technical skills are an essential element that industry can provide to our government customers and that the law clearly conflicts out large prime contractors with CAT A programs. As a result, they will no longer be able to provide systems engineering, technical assistance and advisory services.
In addition, we’re also reviewing our work in terms of any possible organizational conflicts of interest, based on the language in the Weapon System Acquisition Reform Act passed earlier this year. This legislation may open doors for ManTech in terms of new business and customers based on conflicts that can’t be mitigated for some companies. In fact, one of our customers has taken a leadership role on the issue; they recently issued a notice clearly defining what a support services contractor means and what a development contractor means. Under their definition, ManTech has minimal, if any, conflicts and we want to be on the advisory side. It’s interesting that Mr. Pedersen, our CEO, is well-versed in the FAR, which is unusual for someone at his level and he’s always interested in the legislative changes; really keeps me on my toes.
ExecutiveBiz: Audits have become a major pain point for a lot of companies. How are you staying responsive?
Debbie Thurman: Last year, we sat down and said, ‘How can we be more responsive to audit requests? How can we provide more data? Better data?’ We set up a team of folks who met on a weekly and monthly basis, whatever it took; the company’s goal is to meet all reporting requirements of DCAA and to maximize direct access to records. To this end, our pricing team set up a DCAA website, where we store all proposals for easy access to address audit requests. Today, I can tell you, our list of outstanding items from auditors is nonexistent and our goal is to be viewed by DCAA as best in class.
ExecutiveBiz: Short turns on proposals are another industry challenge. How are you navigating them?
Debbie Thurman: If we believe we have a reasonable and justifiable request, we will go back to the customer and ask for an extension. If we can get an extension, we have a well-oiled machine and we are able to respond quickly … our proposal center personnel and our pricing team, for example. We’ve also developed some templates that we use as a starting point; we edit those so we don’t have to build everything from scratch. I have surge support standing by as well with outside consultants and internal folks who can supplement my pricing folks for those times when we need extra help.
ExecutiveBiz: What other ways have you found to stay on the same page with government customers?
Debbie Thurman: We provide our government customers input on their approach to acquisitions through quarterly, semi-annual industry forums. One intelligence community customer, for example, holds annual offsites with industry. We give the customer feedback, and they really appreciate it. At the same time, they give us feedback which helps us improve our bids. I really encourage companies, particularly the contracts folks, to attend those meetings and give honest feedback.
ExecutiveBiz: How do you help your staff navigate a constantly changing market? Any books you can recommend?
Debbie Thurman: Change at the Core by Wendy Mack and Myron Radio. It’s a quick read and gives great tips on how to take some of the fear out of change so your employees understand the need for it and how it’s going to affect them.
ExecutiveBiz: What’s the most fulfilling part of your work?
Debbie Thurman: The people! There is strong demand for contracts professionals in the federal government arena. Contracting is a great profession for folks getting out of college or changing careers. Acquisition professionals, both in government and industry, play a critical role in helping our government function. As you enter this career you find that when people stay, they stay for long periods; it becomes a small world. It’s very rewarding, very challenging, and there’s lots of opportunity. A real family of professionals.
Return to Top Contracts Execs feature.
Posted by Staff Writer
on Wednesday, September 2nd, 2009. Filed under General.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0.
You can leave a response or trackback to this entry
