Small Business Specialist at Goddard Space Flight Center
Tell us a little about your background.
I was born in Alexandria, VA, and raised in Prince William County. I am a first generation American of parents from Sierra Leone who came to this country looking for a better opportunity not just for themselves but for their children. Growing up in the national capital region provided me the opportunity to interact with a cross set of individuals with diverse backgrounds across multiple cultures. I was fortunate to travel to my parent’s birth country as a child and experience the culture, food, and, most importantly, extended family. As a youth, I was an active participant in a multitude of clubs and sports, which taught me the importance of networking at an early age. My decision to attend Virginia Commonwealth University was largely based on their diverse student population and leading academic programs. After graduating I worked as a lead school age teacher at a childcare center when the job market was challenging for recent graduates during the great recession. After a year I received the opportunity to work as a government contractor performing graphic design for the United States Army at the Pentagon. While networking with a colleague I was informed about a Contract Specialist position with Army Contracting Command (ACC) that aligned with my career goals. I applied and officially was accepted into the Federal Civilian Service. Eleven years later it was the best career move I have made, other than accepting a job at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
What made you want to become a small business specialist?
Learning the cradle-to-grave government procurement process led me to become a small business specialist. While at ACC, I worked with the small business division to get all acquisitions approved before contract award. That interaction led me to become aware of the vital role that small business specialists play in providing opportunities to small businesses. Two years after accepting a contract specialist position at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) an opportunity to apply for a position as a small business specialist was posted, and I was selected. My prior experience at ACC and knowledge of GSFC’s Office of Small Business Programs led to my hiring. Having the privilege to educate small businesses on how to procure government contracts and watching companies grow from applying for a business license and registering their business in the System for Award Management (SAM.gov) to being awarded a government contract is why I decided to become a small business specialist. This career allows me the opportunity to make a direct impact on the future success of another person, which is very rewarding.
What is your favorite part of being a small business specialist?
My favorite part of being a small business specialist is the interaction I have with small businesses and education that I provide on how to do business with NASA. Seeing a company grow from a Subcontractor to a prime gives me the opportunity to work with individuals and see how they expand and grow their capabilities. Over the past year I have played a vital role in watching Alexton, Inc., an 8(a), Women/Service Disabled Veteran Owned small business, grow from a subcontractor with two employees to a prime contractor with over one hundred employees and a federal contract valued at $300M. This company has been highlighted on Small Business Saturday, and the following year our team utilized their knowledge at a virtual conference to educate other small businesses on how to effectively find acquisitions that can meet the government’s stated requirements. Seeing companies grow and succeed is why I love being a small business specialist.