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BobbieOBrien

Bobbie O'Brien, CF APMP Fellow (Class of 2010)

Proposal Management Consultant
RFP Mgmt / Proposal Solutions







Bio

Here are just two of many highlights during the past 30 years in the federal procurement world. First would be working with an amazing team that persevered through multiple submissions of thousands and thousands of pages (and three-inch 3-ring binders) and successfully winning an A-76 bid – even after a protest by the Navy; inherently governmental vs. outsourcing; fascinating experience.

Second would be participating with different teams and in different capacities on a major IDIQ multiple award contract that has spanned three iterations over the past 12 years and represents critical advanced cyber technologies: unimaginable advances and capabilities.

Prior to then, during my years in California, a long time ago, working with a firm that had a beautiful view of the San Francisco Bay in Sausalito, I worked with a company involved in a tax court lawsuit that upheld the characteristics of limited partnerships vs being taxed as corporations. This favorable determination has had ongoing impacts on all limited partnership investments since. Very interesting having a representative of the IRS sitting in your office for an extended period of time; great stories. (Phillip G. Larson v. Commissioner of IRS)

With what little free time I have, I am very involved locally with a number of community service organizations and non-profits. As a community advocate, I participate and collaborate with our city boards and council. Assisted in helping to codify a new zoning district to protect critically important lands impacting the original Erie Canal and an adjoining Revolutionary War battlefield.

What does being an APMP Fellow mean to you?

An honor to be recognized as someone who has contributed to the growth and professionalism of our industry.

What's your best memory from attending an APMP event?

The "ah ha" moment of realizing how many others share our experiences. Also, meeting the challenge posed to me to wear a tutu for my Ignite presentation -- I added a t-shirt and boa to complement the outfit!

What advice do you have for a proposal professional entering our field?

Do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, ideas, etc. That's what APMP is all about. It helps our industry continue to grow and evolve. We all benefit from new ideas and perspectives.

 

The Executive Summary is the key element of each proposal, literally the most important part of the response next to the price – this is why my focus was on this micro certification. Understanding the principles of Deal-Strategy, Win-Strategy, Competitor-Analysis, Ghosting, Persuasive Writing, Features/Benefits/Discriminators, and many more is essential and beneficial for so much more than just the Executive Summary.
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Florian Lamisch, CF ES-M APMP
Achieving certification sends a message to the world that I’m dedicated and accomplished as a proposal manager. I feel proud of earning this title and I encourage others to join our ranks.
Jessica Davis
Jessica Davis, CF APMP
The time was a good investment, and I expect to reap benefits now and in the future!
Kelly Erickson
Kelly Erickson, CF APMP
With this micro-certification and digital badge, I signal to my bid team and stakeholders that I am familiar with this topic. They can use me as their contact and "sparring partner," independent of RFPs.
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Norbert Thiemermann, CPP ES-M APMP
Certification has enhanced my worth as a bid professional. It has validated the skills and experience I have and is proof of my bid management qualities and capabilities. It has given me a springboard to develop my career and aim for Professional certification.
Aynsley Davidson v2
Aynsley Davidson, CP APMP
My experience, combined with the APMP Body of Knowledge, helped me obtain both the APMP Foundation exam and the Practitioners exam within a week.
Sonal
Sonal Bhatnagar, CP APMP, PMP
Acquiring this micro-certification allows me to expand my aperture regarding the collaboration between capture and proposal management to develop more robust, customer-centric Executive Summaries for future pursuits. It allows me to advance my skill set, evolve my knowledge, and reflect my commitment to continuous learning.
Yuter
Stephen Yuter, ES-M APMP
The certifications, starting from the foundation to the professional level, help individuals from diverse timeframes in their careers.
Mayura
Mayura Ravishankar, Proposal Associate
Without APMP, I would not have the tools or knowledge of the industry to have the career I have today and the success I have experienced.
Liz Megli
Liz Megli, CF APMP
I never want to be complacent in my career, so it has been beneficial to have this group of peers who are going through similar trials and tribulations in the proposal world on a day-to-day basis.
jill zander
Jill Zander, CF APMP