Eunice J. Adams-Sipp

Tell us a little about your background.

I was born and raised in Chicago, IL, and am the oldest of three children born to Walter and Loraine Adams. My father is from Barbados, West Indies; therefore the West Indian culture was infused in my life very early. I attended Catholic schools through the 12th grade and attended the University of Illinois at Chicago for approximately one year. Life changes happened and I eventually moved to Cleveland, OH, as a young single mother with an 8-month-old. After a few months of living in Cleveland, I decided to go back to college. I attend Cleveland State University and graduated with a degree in economics.

I lived with my aunt, who was a small business specialist with the Department of Defense (DOD). She encouraged me constantly. I applied and was selected for a contract administrator position at DOD, where I worked for 14 years before being hired at NASA in 2003. I was given the opportunity to work at NASA as a contract specialist and I jumped at the opportunity to learn more as a contracting professional.

What made you want to become a Small Business Specialist?

I was given the opportunity to support GRC Small Business Office for Procurement due to the previous small business specialist being on medical leave. I was asked to work on the acquisition forecast and various other data calls. Our then procurement officer asked me to assist her in planning the 2016 Women’s Small Business Industry Day. During the planning process I was able to interact with various Small Business professionals at Office of Small Business Programs (OSBP) and work closely with my procurement officer. In spring 2016, she selected me to represent GRC at the Small Business Council meeting. I learned so much about the work that was being done by the Office of Small Business Programs to support small businesses. I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction and support of the other small business specialists. When the GRC Small Business Specialist retired I applied for the position, was selected, and the rest is history.

What is your favorite part of being a small business specialist?

My favorite part of being a small business specialist is interacting with the small business owners and providing information that will assist them through the procurement process. I feel a sense of pride when a small business owner comes back to me and lets me know that the assistance or connection that I provided him or her enabled them to secure business with NASA, another Federal agency, or another business.