Cheri Tyner is a visionary leader at Acquisition Catalyst, LLC, driving initiatives that bridge education and professional opportunities for underrepresented communities. She leads the HBCU Pathway to the Federal Acquisition Workforce, a signature program designed to recruit, train, and develop graduates from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for careers in federal acquisition.
Current Whereabouts:
Teaching small business how to do business with the federal government and recruiting, developing and training HBCU students for placement in federal acquisition positions.
President and CEO|
Acquisition Catalyst, LLC
From October 2018 to Current • 8 year(s)
Acquisition Catalyst is a premier service provider for Acquisition Lifecycle Support, Project Management, and Acquisition Workforce Management. Our leadership has extensive acquisition experience at the Executive level in the private and public sector. We collaborate with and provide support to Federal, state and local governments, and empower small businesses and individuals to achieve their acquisition goals through our transformative acquisition solutions.
Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) and Head of Contracting Activities|
Department of Defense
From August 2015 to August 2016 • 1 year(s)
Served as the Head of Contracting Activities for the Secretary of Defense, leading the Acquisition Directorate in the planning and implementation of the DoD 4th Estate Congressional Delayering mandate to simplify and streamline an already reduced, less experienced acquisition workforce. Conducted a comprehensive billet-by-billet review of the organizational structure and workforce population, sought efficiencies in technology and revised business practices. Was the first of seven directorates to reach Full Operating Capability, six months ahead of schedule. Developed and implemented an Acquisition Leadership Development Program consisting of a cohort of mid-level acquisition professionals designed to produce a succession of leadership for the organization’s long-term success and meaningful mission impact.
Senior Procurement Executive (SPE) and Head of Contracting Activities|
Department of Homeland Security, ICE
From October 2013 to August 2015 • 2 year(s)
Oversaw the design, development and execution of an Acquisition Lifecycle Tool to improve efficiency in conducting business across the acquisition lifecycle, and to establish a plan for sustaining performance in procurement execution by implementing repeatable processes and standards.
Achieved an 89.4% competition rate compared to an agency goal of 80%. Led the way in maximizing opportunities to the vendor community, and was presented with the Competition Excellence Award by the DHS Chief Procurement Officer for efforts in advocating competition and outperforming DHS benchmarks.
Director, Intelligence and Operations Acquisition |
Department of Homeland Security, OPO/CPO
From July 2009 to October 2012 • 3 year(s)
Represented the Chief Procurement Officer of DHS in meetings on contractual matters supporting the Office of Intelligence and Analysis responsible for providing homeland security intelligence to the Secretary, White House, and other government officials and State, Local and Private Sector partners.
Successfully turned around an organization that had an established culture of adversarial viewing of the customer and transformed it to collaboratively working with customers, which in turn increased the productivity of both the acquisition organization and the customer organization.
Executive Director, Office of Modernization Acquisition |
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
From December 2001 to April 2009 • 8 year(s)
Lead the Business Systems Modernization Acquisition program, one of the largest and most complex information technology modernization efforts awarded in government with an estimated value of over $8 billion.
Served as a member of the Core Business Systems Executive Steering Committee (CBS-ESC) as the Acquisition Manager, responsible for leading both contracting personnel assigned to the program as well as the Contracting Officers Technical Representatives.
Chief, Office of Procurement|
National Science Foundation
From April 2000 to December 2001 • 1 year(s)
Oversaw the development and implementation of strategic procurement policies and processes at the National Science Foundation, ensuring compliance with federal regulations and alignment with organizational goals. This included the management of major scientific research contracts and grants, leading to efficient resource allocation and support of groundbreaking scientific endeavors.
Spearheaded initiatives for enhancing vendor relationships and partnerships, focusing on innovation and cost-effectiveness. Played a pivotal role in negotiating contracts and agreements with key suppliers, including technology and research equipment providers, to support the NSF's mission in advancing scientific knowledge. Implemented a robust vendor evaluation system to ensure high standards of quality and performance.
Branch Chief, Procurement Division|
U.S. Custom Service
From August 1991 to April 2000 • 9 year(s)
As Branch Chief in the Procurement Division at the U.S. Customs Service, led a wide range of procurement activities from inception to completion, primarily in the fields of Information Technology and Construction Management. This involved overseeing the entire procurement lifecycle, including requirement analysis, market research, solicitation development, contract awarding, and contract administration, ensuring compliance with federal procurement regulations and achieving organizational objectives.
Demonstrated expertise in managing complex IT and construction projects, including infrastructure upgrades and systems implementation. Developed and executed strategic plans for procurement activities, ensuring they aligned with the U.S. Customs Service's mission and objectives. Fostered collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders and external vendors, optimizing resource utilization, and driving innovation and efficiency in procurement processes.
Contract Specialist (Various Offices and Divisions)|
U.S. Coast Guard and Department of the Navy
From November 1984 to August 1991 • 7 year(s)
As a Contract Specialist/Contracting Officer, progressed through GS-07 to GS-12 levels, gaining extensive experience in managing a broad range of procurements, including Construction Management, Architecture & Engineering (A&E), Grounds Maintenance, Facilities and Building Maintenance, Security, Finance, HR, and other wage rate services. This role involved the complete procurement lifecycle from requirement analysis, solicitation, evaluation, contract awarding, to post-award administration, adhering to federal procurement laws and regulations.
During my tenue at the U.S. Coast Guard and at the Department of the Navy, demonstrated specialized skills in handling sector-specific procurements, effectively balancing the unique demands of military and maritime environments with the stringent requirements of federal procurement. This included negotiating, awarding, and administering complex contracts, optimizing resource use, ensuring vendor compliance, and contributing to the operational readiness and efficiency of both the U.S. Coast Guard and the Department of the Navy.
