Open to opportunities

Patrick O’Brien

@patrickobrien1

I shape defense growth strategies and federal acquisition pursuits that win national security contracts.

At Peraton, I support capture and proposal efforts that have resulted in $340M+ in contract awards with a 100% win rate, while helping retain four incumbent programs through recompete strategy. I shape pre-solicitation opportunities, advise leaders on acquisition risk and competitive positioning, and translate FAR/DFARS and procurement constraints into actionable pursuit guidance.

My experience spans defense, space, intelligence, and national security programs at Areté Associates and the Department of Defense. As a Marine veteran, former DoD Contract Specialist, and Approving Official, I bring operator-informed mission perspective alongside hands-on federal procurement, funding execution, customer engagement, and contract administration experience.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Senior Manager, Contract Administration

Current

Peraton

Feb 2025 - Present (1 year 6 months)

Supported capture and proposal efforts resulting in $340M+ in contract awards with a 100% win rate across new business and recompete pursuits. Advised pursuit teams on acquisition strategy, contract structure, and compliance considerations.

Capture Strategy Proposal Strategy Federal Acquisition Customer Engagement Executive Briefings Risk Management CMMC

Senior Staff Contract Manager

Areté Associates, Inc.

Jul 2022 - Jan 2025 (2 years 6 months)

Partnered with business development and program leadership on capture planning, acquisition strategy, and competitive proposals for defense and national security programs. Managed contracts across the acquisition lifecycle and negotiated terms with government stakeholders.

Contract Management Acquisition Strategy Capture Planning Proposal Development Negotiation

Approving Official

U.S. Department of Defense

Feb 2021 - Jul 2022 (1 year 5 months)

Led and trained 13 financial technicians processing over $50M in government funds. Implemented new procedures that improved financial accuracy and raised audit compliance to over 94%.

Financial Management Audit Compliance Leadership Training

Diplomatic Security Agent

U.S. Government / Department of Defense

Jan 2019 - Feb 2021 (2 years 1 month)

Supported senior U.S. officials during diplomatic missions in a high-risk environment. Conducted threat assessments and coordinated multi-agency operations with security personnel.

Threat Assessment Security Operations Risk Analysis

Contract Specialist

U.S. Department of Defense / U.S. Marine Corps

Jul 2014 - Jan 2019 (4 years 6 months)

Supported federal procurement and contract administration for mission-critical requirements under the FAR. Participated in acquisition planning, proposal evaluations, and post-award administration.

Federal Procurement Contract Administration FAR Acquisition Planning Cost Analysis Negotiation