Strategic Acquisition Council Meeting Topics

November 19, 2008

• Introductions

• Review the Strategic Acquisition Council charter. 

• Discuss the upcoming Acquisition Workforce Working Group.  My vision:  have contracting folks of all levels on the working group----the key consideration is that they have a passion for the acquisition workforce.  I’m going to ask for Keith Washington, Deputy Director of HR, to be on the group to get his ideas.  I don’t want to chair the group----I’d rather give someone else the opportunity----but I would like to participate.  My goal is that we leverage the best practices throughout DOT and even the federal government to have a comprehensive plan or toolbox that all the COCOs can use in recruiting and retaining an effective cadre of acquisition professionals.  

• We had a robust discussion of the COTR certifications along with a presentation from Cassandra Wells regarding the specifics of the DOT program.

Attendees:

            Joanie Newhart, OST

            Cassandra Wells, OST

            David Scali, Volpe

            Tom Scott, PHMSA

            Laura Birkhimer, PHMSA

            Willie Smith, FHWA

            Helen Pernell, FAA

            Ross Jeffries, NHTSA

            Wayne Leong, MARAD

      Todd Hanson, FWHA

      Sonya Harmon, FMCSA

      Carmencita Jones, OST
      Leonardo San Roman, OSDBU

      Carlene R. Jackson, FTA

      Pat White, SLS