Welcome to AST On the Move where we spotlight our amazing staff and what makes them tick. Today, meet Director of Contracts Laura Freeman.
You have extensive experience in both the private and public sectors. What initially drew you to the field of contracts, and how has your role evolved over the years?
I was actually concerned about not having enough money to finish college and was considering withdrawing when I talked to my advisor who recommended a paid internship with the Department of Energy. From there, I fell in love with the challenge. When my internship was over the DOE did not have a job for me so I took a job with the Site Contractor in purchasing, property administration, contract closeout and subcontract administration. When a federal job finally opened, I had my BS degree and experience. Within DOE I moved from a Contract Specialist to a Procurement Policy Analyst where I was able to make some significant changes to help the Contract Specialists succeed.
I was at the top of my career ladder when an employee at HQ Procurement Services approached me to take a job as an independent Contracting Officer supporting the Office of Legacy Management. I was there for 5 years when I was told my position was moving to DC. My family did not want to move so I took a job with NASA IV&V as an Independent Contracting Officer. I was there for 8 years when a friend offered me a job with a private company so I retired from the Government and started working for them until I was laid off because of Covid. I contacted Arria to see if she knew of anyone looking for a Contracts Manager and the rest is history. I have been with AST for almost 5 years now and still loving it.
Your work was recently recognized with a very nice customer shout out! Specifically, your accuracy, responsiveness, and professionalism. What’s your approach to building strong customer relationships?
Since I had experience with the Federal Government, I understand what it takes for the DOE Contract Specialist to do their job. I make sure that I do everything that is needed to help them succeed. With support from the BOS team, we respond to requests as quickly as possible and make sure there are no mistakes in the documents we provide. Based on my knowledge of the FAR and DOE Supplement (DEAR) I sometimes provide guidance or recommendations on issues that arise.
What’s one of the most complex challenges you experience in your work? What’s your mindset or approach with it?
With contracting, there comes all types of challenges with a new Client or Contracting Officer. Regulations change frequently too. The most complex challenge is transition to a new award and making sure the client is happy with our service. I approach the challenges with enthusiasm and hope I succeed.
Before joining AST, you spent time working at NASA. Can you share a bit about that experience and how it shaped your career in contract management?
NASA was an amazing place to work. When they say that the people are their most important asset, they mean it. My NASA time provided me with more rounded experiences with IDIQ and GSA schedule awards since I was predominantly acquiring services. My previous experience with DOE was mostly Research and Development using cost reimbursement and cost sharing contracts.
What advice would you give to professionals looking to excel in this field?
Anyone in the contracting field must have a love for challenges and changes because there is nothing routine about the job. It is critical to have an extensive knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulations and agency regulations and have the capability to apply those regulations to your contracts. It is highly suggested that you read the contract you receive at least 3 times to get a good feel of the clauses and requirements.
We’ve heard you go ALL OUT for Halloween! When do you start planning and how do you come up with the decor and themes?
The first Halloween started with skeletons climbing all over my house and trying to get into the windows. Each year I added more skeletons and tried to follow a theme. The following year, they were camping and sitting around a fire and roasting marshmallows.
One year I made a gigantic spider and had smaller spiders, spiderwebs and skeletons fighting them off. I had one year of witches with them flying on broomsticks and making a brew. One year it was vampires and bats. Last year it was clowns. I start thinking of my theme as soon as Halloween is over. If I have a lot of ideas and things I need to make, I will start September 1. Not only do we give out candy but we give out small toys to the kids. We have lots of fun and the neighbors and all the kids love it.
If you weren’t in contract management, what would be your dream job?
First and foremost, I am in my dream job. If I had to choose another, I think that my dream job would be doing almost anything outdoors. I like to work on the farm and I like to build things.
We heard that you like to can in your spare time- Whether it’s your famous cowboy candy, hot pepper jelly, or hot sauce. So, any tips for newbies?
I started canning cowboy candy and found a recipe that I loved and found out that if you read the recipe, it is not as difficult as it appears. From there, I explored other recipes and started canning hot sauce and hot pepper jelly because I had so many peppers. After that I expanded to homemade spaghetti sauce, dill pickles and relish. I always can more than I need. It is more fun to give my canned goods away to my family and friends.
This is a pic of me and my family. 5 children 6 grandchildren.
