COMMAND/ORGANIZATION: Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground
TITLE: Lead contract specialist
DAWIA CERTIFICATIONS: Level III in contracting
YEARS OF SERVICE IN WORKFORCE: 9
YEARS OF MILITARY SERVICE: 20
EDUCATION: B.A. in business, Excelsior College
Air Force background yields soft landing in Army acquisition
By Susan L. Follett
Ralph Kaminski is leveraging the skills he acquired during a 20-year career in the U.S. Air Force to ensure that Soldiers have the test and assessment services to support developmental and operational testing of weapon systems and other programs.
Kaminski’s transition from one service to the other was relatively seamless, he said. His work for the Air Force included supporting local purchase requirements, developing requirements documents and evaluating functional system scripts to determine whether a proposed replacement system met the Air Force’s logistical requirements. Once he left the Air Force, he worked for several defense contractors assigned to task orders that found him working on material management plans, award fee plans and other contracting documentation. Seeking job stability not available as a defense contractor, he then became a contract specialist with the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA) before coming to the U.S. Army Contracting Command at Aberdeen Proving Ground five years ago.
“The toughest part of my job is the process of getting from requirement to solicitation,” he said. “That process requires clearing a lot of hurdles and incorporating a lot of different viewpoints. It’s not always fun. But I’ve found that a little patience and an attitude of cooperation go a long way toward success.”
What do you do in your position, and why is it important to the Army or the warfighter?
I’m a contracting officer responsible for procuring test and assessment services to support developmental and operational testing of weapon systems and other programs. Decision makers receive independent testing and assessment reports to identify the weapon systems that ultimately provide warfighters with the best solution in any environment they face.
How did you become part of the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
My spouse is a longtime Army employee. When BRAC [Base Realignment and Closure] affected her position at Fort Eustis, Virginia, she took a position in 2009 at Aberdeen Proving Ground. Our two daughters and I joined her nine months later.
What do you see as the most important points in your career with the Army Acquisition Workforce, and why?
I can’t think of a specific class, program or assignment, but throughout my career I’ve been provided opportunities to succeed. Without them, there’s no chance for the struggle—and sometimes failure—that allows one to learn and grow.
Can you name a particular mentor or mentors who helped you in your career? How did they help you? Have you been a mentor?
Phyllis McGowan and Ginna Thomas have been tremendously helpful. Phyllis is now retired, but was branch chief for DeCA’s Resale Service Support Branch. Ginna is branch chief of DeCA’s East Store Services Branch. Both emphasized how to apply federal procurement regulations to meet requirements. As a lead contract specialist, there are always opportunities to mentor team members.
What’s the greatest satisfaction you have in being a part of the Army Acquisition Workforce?
Getting the requiring activity what they need to meet their missions.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to get where you are today?
Find and then work toward a common goal when balancing compliance with procurement regulation requirements and meeting customer expectations.
“Faces of the Force” is an online series highlighting members of the Army Acquisition Workforce (AAW) through the power of individual stories. Profiles are produced by the U.S. Army Acquisition Support Center Communication and Support Branch, working closely with public affairs officers to feature Soldiers and civilians currently serving in a variety of AAW disciplines. For more information, or to nominate someone, please call 703-805-1006.
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