Innovative Acquisition Practices in a Reduced Budget Environment Training Workshop

The impact of the current recession on the national economy and corresponding reductions in federal spending have required agencies to do more with less in supporting program objectives and the public at large. During this seminar acquisition professionals will be able to discern how to make the most of their available resources to successfully execute an acquisition in a reduced budget environment.

Speaker and Presenter Information

Eric Heffernan Director Grant Thornton Global Public Sector Eric Heffernan is a Director in Grant Thornton�s Global Public Sector. Mr. Heffernan has over 11 years of federal government experience in the design and implementation of major acquisition programs and other resource management efficiencies across multiple federal agencies. Mr. Heffernan has instructed hundreds of government and private sector employees on aspects of Performance Based Acquisitions through his multiple acquisition engagements and for external organizations such as the National Contract Management Association (NCMA) and the Potomac Forum LLC. As a Project Management Professional (PMP), he has significant experience in acquisition planning, requirements development, source selection evaluation, program and performance management, and contract management. He leads Grant Thornton�s Acquisition Community of Practice. Mr. Heffernan holds both a Masters in Business Administration and undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech. Jennifer Palazzolo Senior Manager Grant Thornton Global Public Sector Jennifer Palazzolo is a Senior Manager in Grant Thornton�s Global Public Sector (GPS). She is currently providing acquisition and program management support services to several Federal Aviation Administration programs. Ms. Palazzolo has been supporting the Federal Government for the past ten years in acquisition-related areas, with specific emphasis on acquisition planning and the source selection process. She has also supported assessments of acquisition operations and policies at agencies to create opportunities to maximize performance. Ms. Palazzolo holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University and a Master of Public Policy from the University of Michigan.

Relevant Government Agencies

Air Force, Army, Navy & Marine Corps, Intelligence Agencies, DOD & Military, Office of the President (includes OMB), Dept of Agriculture, Dept of Commerce, Dept of Education, Dept of Energy, Dept of Health & Human Services, Dept of Homeland Security, Dept of Housing & Urban Development, Dept of the Interior, Dept of Justice, Dept of Labor, Dept of State, Dept of Transportation, Dept of Treasury, Dept of Veterans Affairs, EPA, GSA, USPS, SSA, NASA, Other Federal Agencies, Legislative Agencies (GAO, GPO, LOC, etc.), Judicial Branch Agencies, State Government, County Government, City Government, Municipal Government, CIA, FEMA, Office of Personnel Management, Coast Guard, National Institutes of Health, FAA, Census Bureau, USAID