Amber Ford
@amberford
Detail-oriented finance and contracts professional supporting federal agencies.
What I'm looking for
I am a resourceful finance and contracts professional with extensive experience supporting federal agencies in cost and price analysis, compliance, and regulatory oversight. My proven ability to lead proposal cost volume development and manage multi-million-dollar budgets has been instrumental in ensuring program success. I possess a strong working knowledge of FAR, DFARS, and federal cost principles, and I am adept at managing procurement systems such as PRISM and FPDS.
Currently, I serve as a Contract Specialist at the National Institutes of Health, where I lead complex contract negotiations and procurement strategies for federal projects. I manage contracts totaling up to $715M, ensuring compliance with regulations and alignment with organizational objectives. My previous roles, including President of the American Welfare and Works Association, have honed my skills in stakeholder collaboration, financial analysis, and strategic decision-making, allowing me to drive impactful initiatives and optimize fundraising efforts.
Experience
Work history, roles, and key accomplishments
Contract Specialist
National Institutes of Health
Aug 2023 - Present (1 year 9 months)
Led complex contract negotiations and procurement strategies for federal projects, managing contracts up to $715M while ensuring compliance with FAR, DFARS, and CAS regulations. Conducted cost and pricing analysis using Excel and other tools to support strategic decision-making. Served as a liaison between internal and external stakeholders to drive project success.
President
Kadena Officers' Spouses Club
Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 (2 years)
Managed international partnerships and led procurement/sales for a nonprofit retail operation, generating over $200,000 annually for charitable giving. Negotiated vendor agreements across seven countries and developed sales strategies to enhance market reach. Collaborated with military and civilian stakeholders, developing key client relationships.
President
American Welfare and Works Association
Jun 2021 - Jun 2023 (2 years)
Led and organized seven separate organizations, successfully raising and distributing over $500,000 to support American military and Japanese communities. Managed cross-functional teams to execute projects and implemented reporting systems to measure program effectiveness. Established strategic alliances with local governments, nonprofits, and multinational organizations.
Development Director
Semper K9 Assistance Dogs
Jan 2020 - May 2021 (1 year 4 months)
Led fundraising and business development efforts for a veteran-focused nonprofit, securing over $1 million in funding during the COVID-19 pandemic. Engaged with executive leaders, including White House officials, to advocate for military families and veterans. Built strong client relationships and utilized CRM for donor tracking and reporting.
Education
Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework
University of Maryland Global Campus
Master of Business Administration (MBA), Business Administration
Studied advanced business principles, strategic management, and leadership. Focused on core areas including finance, marketing, and operations.
University of Maryland Global Campus
Certification, Acquisition & Contract Management
Completed coursework focused on the principles and practices of acquisition and contract management. Gained expertise in federal procurement regulations and the contract lifecycle.
Defense Acquisition University
Certification, Federal Acquisition Certification - Contracting (FAC-C) Professional
Obtained professional certification in federal acquisition contracting. Focused on advanced topics in government procurement and contract administration.
Tech stack
Software and tools used professionally
Availability
Location
Authorized to work in
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