Yolanda M. Drake, LL.B, CPCM, CFCM
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY: Seasoned and results-oriented Contracts Negotiator with over 27 years of delivering success in winning and managing government contracts. High proficiency in federal procurement regulations (FAR, DFARS, TINA, GSA) and extensive experience with drafting key legal terms for risk mitigation. Proven ability to negotiate, and manage complex multifaceted deals. Demonstrated issue resolution skills, combined with effective communication, and the ability to prioritize fast-paced schedules. Extensive experience in all contract structures, including FFP, FPAF, FPIF, CPFF, CPIF, CPAF, T&M.
AREAS OF EXPERTISE
| RFP analysis / proposal preparation / compliance reviews | Prime Contract T&C legal analysis and compliance | FAR and DFARS compliance and consulting |
| Subcontract T&Cs negotiations and FAR/ DFARS flow-downs | GSA Schedules, GWACs, OTAs, IDIQs, BPAs | OCI analysis and OCI mitigation plans |
| Teaming Agreements, MOUs, NDAs, GSA CTAs, ACAs | SAM registrations / Annual Representations and Certifications | FOIA requests and rebuttals |
| Change Order Management, REAs & Claims | Small Business Plans and Reporting | Annual FAR 52.204-14 reporting and CMRA reporting |
| CDR & Letters of Concern Resolution | Termination Proposals, Contract Closeouts | Data rights and protection of Intellectual property |
| CPARS analysis and rebuttals | Service Contract Labor Standards | GAO Protests Process |
| EVMS | Software Licenses | Engineering Change Proposals |
RELEVANT WORK EXPERIENCE:
Principal Consultant in Government Contracting Present
Conethic Consulting Services
- Cradle to Grave Government Contracts support from proposal writing, to compliance and management, and closeouts.
Director of Contracts, Defense Contracts Group Perspecta Inc. (merger from Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services and DXC Technology) | Apr 2017– Dec 2018
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- As Senior Manager to a team of nine (9) Contract Negotiators, I provided oversight and significant input to new business proposal negotiations, and post-award Contracts growth and management, while rolling up my sleeves to get the job done. Portfolio ~ 300 Active Contracts.
- Served as the “go-to” person for issue escalation: assisted team members with performing legal analysis, redlining complex terms and conditions, and headed challenging negotiations with key customers.
- Successfully increased revenue growth with winning multi-year contracts worth $100M to $1-Billion.
- Played a key role in winning and managing major and strategic contract wins for the corporation, including a complex $880 Million IT contract for the US STRATCOM.
Government Contracts Consultant & Team Lead Hewlett Packard Enterprise Services (merger from Electronic Data Systems) | Feb 2005 – Apr 2017
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- Successfully managed the largest IT contract within Hewlett Packard’s Government Sector ($5.4 Billion contracts) supporting the NAVY.
- Provided dedicated cradle-to-grave contract administration (from RFP proposal to Close-Out) for Federal Government IT contracts from various Defense and Civilian clients, including Army, Air Force, DMDC, DISA, VA, GSA, NASA, and USPS.
- Provided business leaders with counsel and subject matter expertise related to contractual interpretation, and compliance with procurement regulations, including FAR, DFARS, AFFARS, GSAM.
- Collaborated with key business leaders on contractual and operational decisions; assisted in meeting profit and revenue goals through effective contract change controls and administration.
- As lead Negotiator in proposals to RFPs, I negotiated favorable contractual terms in contracts, teaming agreements, modifications, NDAs, with the primary objective of mitigating corporate risks.
- Drafted and negotiated Organizational Conflict of Interest Mitigation Plans in compliance with FAR and DFARs OCI principles for proposals and ongoing contracts.
- Successfully secured revenue and protected profit for the corporation through effective negotiations of Change Orders, Claims, and REAs.
Senior Government Contracts Administrator TechLaw, Inc. | Aug 2000 – Feb 2005
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- Efficiently executed multi-faceted cradle-to-grave management of contracts, from RFP to Close-Out, including procurement and subcontract management. Provided dependable client-facing support for Federal (DOD, EPA, DOL, and DOE) and state agencies, as well as commercial customers.
- Played an integral role in establishing and managing the corporation’s GSA Schedules, including successfully establishing catalogs on “GSA Advantage!” website, and timely reporting on GSA Industrial Funding Fees.
- Accomplishment: Compiled the Corporation’s first written Subcontracting Policies and Procedure Manual in FY2001.
Commercial Contracts Manager Feld Entertainment Inc | May 1999 – Aug 2000
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- Negotiated and managed commercial contracts for international Disney on Ice productions.
- Handled all aspects of international contracts, including risk analysis and management, drafting terms and conditions, cost analysis, and compliance management.
- Specialties: Venue licenses, box office, and ticketing contracts, promoter and sponsor contracts.
OTHER WORK EXPERIENCE:
Legal Officer & Asst. Vice President Nov 1995 -Jul 1998
Oversea-Chinese Banking Corporation Ltd, Singapore
Attorney-at-Law – Private Law Firms, Singapore 1992 – Nov 1995
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- BACHELOR OF LAWS WITH HONORS – UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON, UK
- CALLED TO THE BAR OF ENGLAND AND WALES
- CERTIFIED FEDERAL CONTRACTS MANAGER (CFCM)
- CERTIFIED PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTS MANAGER (CPCM)
- ACTIVE MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL CONTRACT MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION
