JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas (Sept. 17, 2014) -- A procurement analyst here was named one of the winners of the National Contract Management Association Top Professionals Under-40 in Contract Management Award.
Jennifer Hastedt has compiled a string of achievements and qualifications during her 11 years of contract management, which will be recognized during a Nov. 2 reception prior to the Government Contract Management Symposium in Washington, District of Columbia.
"It is an honor and privilege to be recognized as a young top professional in my chosen career field," she said. "As acquisition policy changes, acquisition professionals are obligated to stay current on the new policies to ensure we properly award and report contract actions. We must constantly earn the trust placed in us by the public."
Hastedt credits her certifications, education, private and federal contracting achievements, published works, military service, and NCMA contributions as principal factors in earning the award.
She has earned multiple credentials demonstrating her knowledge and abilities. Those include certification in commercial contracts as well as designations of federal contracts manager, professional contracts manager and project management professional. She also graduated from NCMA's Contract Management Leadership Development Program.
She graduated from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio with a Juris Doctorate Degree in May 2013. The Weymouth, Massachusetts, native also holds a bachelor's degree in elementary and special education, and a master's in economics. Hastedt passed the Texas Bar Examination on her first attempt and can now practice law in the State of Texas and for the federal government.
She arrived at the Mission and Installation Contracting Command in November 2010. Prior to beginning her acquisition career, Hastedt admits to not knowing anything about government contracts.
"I found mentors, asked many questions from anyone willing to answer and became actively involved in the local chapter of the National Contract Management Association," she said. "I am now able to help develop other acquisition professionals by sharing personal knowledge and coordinating (Federal Acquisition Regulation) review classes. Acquisition policy is updated regularly, and our duty is to maintain currency and share our knowledge with others."
She said she firmly believes dedicated employees must be afforded multidisciplinary training and experience if the service expects to meet acquisition challenges under budgetary scrutiny in the future.
"My post-graduate studies in the fields of economics and law have been a huge asset in my success as a contracting professional with industry as well as in my position as a government procurement analyst," Hastedt said. "If we expect to meet the ever increasing demands of the acquisition environment in these times of unprecedented budgetary constraints, then it is imperative that we seek out the highest caliber employees and leverage their diversity and ideas to re-engineer our business processes and maximize efficiency."
In nominating Hastedt for the award, the MICC deputy to the commanding general said her ambition, intelligence and accomplishments make her highly deserving of this recognition.
"Jennifer's innovative ideas are shaping the future of contract management and execution within the MICC and the Army," George Cabaniss wrote. "Her willingness to take on difficult projects and see them through to successful completion fosters unparalleled productivity and impressive results."
He added that Hastedt's role in creating the Acquisition Milestone Agreement added efficiency into the acquisition process and ensures contracts are awarded in a timely manner. Use of the AMA is now Army-wide.
Established in 2012, the NCMA Top Professionals Under 40 in Contract Management Award provides peer recognition for individuals under the age of 40 in contract management from government, industry and academia. Up to 40 people earn the award following a review of their nominations by a group made up professionals from academia, government and industry as well as representatives from the NCMA fellows and Contract Management Leadership Development Program communities.
Award criteria included professional development, innovation and achievement, clear vision to shape the future of the profession, leadership and influence, and contribution to the profession and impact with NCMA.
The NCMA and its more than 22,000 members serve as a leading professional resource for those in the field of contract management dedicated to the professional growth and educational advancement.
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