Emma Rich

Procurement Officer with 2+ years of public-sector contract administration and sourcing experience, managing competitive solicitations (RFPs, RFQs, IFBs), vendor performance, and contract portfolios in compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA). Skilled in strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, spend analysis, and eVA procurement systems. Proven ability to reduce costs, mitigate contractual risk, and build effective stakeholder and vendor relationships.

Procurement Officer II at Department of General Services (2024-11 – Present)

• Lead end-to-end procurement operations for goods and non-professional services through competitive sealed bidding, unsealed bidding, sole-source, and emergency procurement methods, ensuring compliance with the Virginia Public Procurement Act (VPPA) and Commonwealth procurement regulations.
• Develop and issue Requests for Proposals (RFPs), Requests for Quotes (RFQs), and Invitations for Bids (IFBs), evaluating vendor responses for compliance, technical merit, and cost-effectiveness.
• Administer and oversee a portfolio of multiple active contracts under delegated authority, managing renewals, amendments, risk mitigation, and vendor performance to maintain effective vendor relationships.
• Interpret contractual terms and procurement policy to ensure compliance, resolve vendor performance concerns, and mitigate contractual risk to the agency.
• Plan, coordinate, and conduct pre-bid/pre-proposal conferences for solicitations, ensuring clarity and alignment among stakeholders.
• Utilize eVA and enterprise e-procurement systems, along with advanced Microsoft Office and Adobe tools, to manage reporting, procurement tracking, and documentation.
• Partner with business units across DGS to improve procurement efficiency and streamline processes.

Buyer Specialist at Virginia Department of Labor and Industry (2024-04 – 2024-11)

• Negotiated favorable pricing and supply contracts, contributing to cost reduction, and improved procurement value.
• Managed a portfolio of vendor contracts to ensure compliance, monitor performance, and maintain effective procurement relationships.
• Developed and monitored cost-reduction strategies while managing multiple concurrent procurement priorities.
• Selected suppliers and contractors using strategic sourcing methods, promoting sustainable and ethical procurement practices while controlling costs.
• Ensured compliance with state and federal legal regulations to mitigate risk and uphold procurement standards.
• Created and processed purchase orders to initiate procurement for necessary goods and services.
• Prepared documentation verifying goods and services met Agency Procurement and Surplus Property Manual (APSPM) standards.
• Implemented the agency's SWAM (Small, Women-owned, and Minority-owned business) plan to support supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Contract Officer at 22nd Century Technologies (2023-09 – 2024-04)

• Awarded sole-source contracts to selected vendors in full compliance with state procurement policies.
• Assessed contractor performance to determine necessary contract amendments, ensuring alignment with project goals.
• Reviewed and updated existing contracts on an ongoing basis to maintain compliance with evolving regulations.
• Researched state and federal procurement regulations to inform contract updates and maintain compliance with current laws and standards.
• Evaluated purchase requests for compliance with state procurement policies before approval.
• Created purchase orders in the e-procurement system for the Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services, streamlining procurement workflows.
• Maintained an organized system of physical and digital contract records to support efficient retrieval and audit readiness.
• Provided administrative support to the DGS/OPS Director and staff, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

Standard Diploma – Cosby High School (2012-06)