LOGISTICS
“I’m definitely proud of the work we do every day to help keep the complex APS-5 program in Kuwait and Qatar operating efficiently,” she said. “But the add-on-armor effort that I worked on while at PM SKOT at TACOM also stands out in my mind as an accomplishment that I’m particularly proud of.”
In 2007, Tierney was one of two contract specialists on a small cross-functional team tasked with equipping newly established add-on-armor sites in Iraq and Afghanistan with the tools required to quickly modify vehicles in theater to make them more resistant to threats, particularly improvised explosive devices. “My team and I successfully utilized the contingency contracting methods available to us to award approximately 20 contracts within one week of becoming aware of the require- ments. Tis required extensive and constant coordination with all stakeholders, and a level of dedication to the mission that I’m proud to have been a part of. It was extremely satisfying to know that my actions had a direct and immediate impact on the safety of our Soldiers in Southwest Asia.”
Te key to being successful in her role is communication, she said—to be able to properly communicate complicated
contracting regulations, laws and policies to contractors, cus- tomers and colleagues to ensure mutual understanding.
Communication is also the key to overcoming the biggest chal- lenge she faces in her job—keeping pace with constant change.
“Te contracts that we manage are performed in theater, which means we operate in a fluid, fast-paced environment. We always have to be prepared to handle changes to the missions,” she said. By staying in constant communication with their customers, contracting officers can be as proactive as possible and share les- sons learned daily to ensure that they are operating as effectively and efficiently as possible. “I’m very fortunate to have such a great team who are very skilled in their jobs and understand the importance of communication and teamwork.”
During her career, she noted, she has worked with many tal- ented people who helped guide her, but the two individuals who have had the most impact are Sean O’Reilly and Chris Dake, whom she met early in her career while working for TACOM. O’Reilly is now a division chief at TACOM – Warren, Michi- gan, and Dake, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, is the acting division chief of the EAGLE and Sustainment Division at ACC- RI. Tierney worked with both of them in 2006-2007 when she was with PM SKOT at TACOM.
“Mr. O’Reilly believed in my abilities, despite my lack of expe- rience at the time, and tasked me with challenging contract actions so that I could grow and develop my skills, while also providing the support I needed to be successful,” said Tierney.
“Mr. Dake leads by example and has shown me the importance of integrity, respect, honesty and even humor. He values my knowledge and opinions, and encourages me to be confident and make Tierney’s voice heard.” Dake is now directly in her chain of command, and they interact daily.
In addition to the required business classes and DAWIA cer- tifications, Tierney noted that the most important way to be successful in contracting “is to obtain a diverse array of on-the- job experience,” she said. “Take advantage of opportunities to support a variety of customers, and execute different types of contracts for many different types of supplies and services.” She added, “It’s also important to be a leader regardless of what posi- tion you’re in. Always try to recognize and build skills in others, not only to help their careers but also to support and improve the contracting workforce as a whole.”
LEADERS IN ARMY CONTRACTING
Tierney with Maj. Gen. James E. Simpson, ACC’s commanding general. (Photos by Liz Greenawalt, ACC-RI Public Affairs)
—MS. SUSAN L. FOLLETT
ASC.ARMY.MIL
65
LOGISTICS
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