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Instructor Q & A

Background

Kathleen Dawn, one of ESI's first instructors, joined ESI in 1986 and was instrumental in developing, managing and implementing  some of its earliest programs at The George Washington University, the United States Postal Service, General Electric and AT&T.

Kathleen began her career in federal contracting as a contract specialist and contract management instructor with the General Services Administration. After leaving GSA, Kathleen spent several years as a consultant and trainer for a wide variety of corporate and government clients.

Currently, Kathleen is the primary instructor for several courses in the Government Contract Management Program, including Federal Contracting Basics, Contract Pricing and Operating Practices in Contract Administration.

Kathleen holds a bachelor's degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and is a member of the National Contract Management Association.

1. What is your approach to teaching in the classroom?

"My approach to teaching is to create a highly interactive classroom environment. Our students are wonderful resources, and I welcome the experiences and insights that they bring to class.

The courses in the Government Contract Management Program are all based on the Federal Acquisition Regulation. Let's face it, classes dealing with federal regulations have the potential to be quite dry. Rather than merely teaching the regulations, I strive to bring them to life through practical application. The design of our courses facilitates this. Each course has several problem-solving exercises that participants work through together. We also draw from the General Accounting Office Comptroller and Board of Contract Appeals decisions to develop case studies that illuminate the legal aspects of contracting issues ranging from contract interpretation to termination settlements.

The classroom setting allows members of government and industry to freely exchange ideas and perspectives on timely topics. This is truly a key benefit of our entire program and that allows for lively, candid and enlightening discussions. Our participants often comment that they gain an appreciation of each others' viewpoints by working together in class."

2. What are some of the common contract management mistakes you see?

"More than half of government contracts and obligations are for services. Many of these service contracts are complex. Yet, too many people in contracting continue to approach contract management with an attitude that is geared toward the acquisition of supplies or simple, short-term services, and I see this as a serious mistake. Those who believe that they can be successful by simply reading the contract and doing what it requires are out of step with the current environment.

Yes, parties to the contract do need to read it and know what parameters it establishes. But they should view it as a starting point, not the definitive word on all that will or will not happen during the life of the contract. In addition to an ever-increasing number of contracts being for services, periods of performance are getting longer. Service contracts awarded today are likely to last for five to 10 years or more. Parties entering into these long-term service contracts must understand that they are entering into relationships. The contract itself serves as a roadmap to the relationship. Parties to the contract must remain flexible, cooperative, communicative and open the need to change course as programs, technologies and the relationships evolve.

There is a lot of talk in the government contracting community about partnering with industry. Contracts are ideal vehicles for partnerships. Contract managers in both government and industry who take the opportunity to truly work as partners are far more likely to realize success in their programs."

3. What is the value of earning a Master's Certificate in today's job market?

"In the competitive job market that exists today, every credential counts! ESI's Master's Certificates are well recognized and well respected throughout the contracting community. Countless students have told me that the master's certificate has opened doors for them in their careers and helped pave the way to getting hired, getting promoted and getting pay raises."

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