CECOM Spotlight: Stacy Matassa analyzes facts and figures for CECOM

ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. —Stacy Matassa, an operations research system analyst, or ORSA, with the U.S. Army Communications-Electronics Command G8 Cost and Economics Branch, analyzes facts and figures for CECOM to ensure the organization plans and programs congressional funding optimally.

Matassa, as an ORSA, analyzes cost estimate methodologies and strategies and compares that data to acquisition strategy documents like Lifecycle Sustainment Plans to ensure the cost estimates provide accurate projections to decision leaders in the Program Objectives Memorandum, or POM, process.

Matassa said that her team partners with the Acquisition Lifecycle Cell, which is part of CECOM G3/5, program managers, the CECOM Integrated Logistics Support Center, and the CECOM Software Engineering Center to provide a comprehensive analysis.

During the review process, ORSAs determine whether costs are calculated accurately and whether those costs are bucketed in the correct appropriations, such as research, development, test, and evaluation, operations and maintenance, procurement, and program management. She explained that the Office of the Secretary of Defense establishes the cost element structure.

“Essentially, this [cost element structure] tells the PM offices how to structure and bucket their dollars so that we can identify the sustainment dollars,” Matassa said.

Matassa said she appreciates the logical side of her job, which allows her to use her critical thinking skills.

“Our pressure comes from getting multiple taskers at one time, and we have 10 days to review the document,” she said. “Having 75 to 100 comments in one document is not unusual.”

Career progression

Matassa has served as a government civilian for 16 years and has been with CECOM for almost three years. Prior to joining CECOM, she worked for the U.S. Army Aberdeen Test Center as a program analyst; U.S. Army Evaluation Center as a technical writer; and PEO C3N as a cost analyst, which was then PEO Command, Control, Communications – Tactical.

“That is where I started my cost analyst role,” she said.

Prior to working for the government, she held various positions, including project manager, technical editor, and logistics management specialist.

“I kind of dabbled until I hit the right mark,” she said.

Matassa said she was a “military brat,” with her father serving in the Navy and her stepfather in the Air Force. Several of her cousins have also served. This background eventually led her to government service.

“I thought there was stability in being a civilian employee, and I also missed the esprit de corps that comes with being a part of a military family; that is one of the things I like about being on APG is the community.”

Matassa advises new employees and interns to get involved and network by attending events and observances on post.

“Go to all of the observances, be seen, and approach commanders,” she advised. “There are plenty of opportunities.”

Life-long learner

Matassa holds a bachelor’s degree in mass communications and geography from Towson State University. She anticipated having a career in public relations or advertising, but after working for a bank in college, she discovered she had an aptitude for numbers.

“I love data,” she said.

Matassa, who believes in “life-long learning,” said she had to put in hard work to become an ORSA. While working full-time, Matassa took several college classes at Harford Community College, the University of Maryland, and Golden Gate University and graduate-level courses in mathematics and science from the Florida Institute of Technology.

“Going back to school at my age was challenging because I had 25 years of freedom,” she joked.

Matassa said she looks up to the Soldiers that she supports by working as an ORSA for CECOM.

“The Soldiers give us a good example, they demonstrate discipline,” she said. “They do that for us so that we can live in freedom.”

Family time

In her personal life, Matassa values her faith and time spent with her family. During the summer, she spends most weekends boating with her husband. She is the rear commodore of the Galloway Yacht Club in Middle River, Maryland, and hopes to grow club participation this year.

“I guess because my dad was in the Navy, we were always on the water,” she said. “I just love being on the water.”