New FDA Contract Will Bring Expansion & Opportunities
DRT and its joint venture partner Kaiva Tech have secured the $100 million Professional, Administrative, and Consulting Services (PACS) contract with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This will dramatically expand DRT’s presence at the FDA and create new growth opportunities for our staff over the next four years.
The FDA initially awarded this contract about a year ago—and went on to re-award it to the joint venture three times after several protests by the incumbent and other bidders. “This award is a testament to the FDA’s confidence in our capabilities,” says Director Abu Bhuiyan. “Our reputation has been built on the high-quality work we have provided the past 15 years, and we are dedicated to maintaining that standard as we continue to support the FDA’s mission.”
Together with Kaiva Tech, DRTers will provide:
- Program, project management and administration support,
- Consulting and subject matter expertise across various disciplines, including information technology, technical, medical, scientific, legislative and policy analysis, strategic communications
- As well as budget and financial support.
Seventy DRTers currently staff the FDA account, and this award presents the opportunity for significant growth—with the potential to expand the team to more than 100. “We are excited to create opportunities for those seeking career growth and to cultivate emerging leaders while welcoming new team members,” says Abu.
An 11-year veteran at DRT, Abu was recently promoted to Director and will oversee the FDA account. Wayne Fong will support the FDA account but take on an expanded role by managing civilian accounts. “These promotions are a reflection of Abu and Wayne’s excellence,” says CEO Susan Kidd, “and they are a reminder that opportunities for advancement come when we have the business to support them.”
Kaiva, a tribally owned 8(a) company in Utah, will apply complementary capabilities with its cybersecurity and IT expertise.
“The contracting officers are very motivated to see this succeed so there is the potential for more work,” Abu shares. “As an agency, the FDA considers itself a change agent. Our team is focused on the mission of the FDA and it is very gratifying work.”
New & Here to Help You: DRT Corporate Staff
Within the last year, our corporate office has welcomed a host of bright, new staff members—a support team for all DRT employees. Take a moment to get to know them.
Colleen Knight oversees Human Resources at DRT. What is her passion? Working directly with her clients—namely, YOU! “I like tackling challenges and helping us grow together as a team,” she says. “I am overjoyed to be a part of a group of professionals who truly work together as a team—and have such a good time working together to deliver results for clients.” She also cherishes playing outside, building Legos, and watching the Spiderman movie on repeat with sons Bryson (5) and Caden (2), pictured here along with her husband Ryan Knight.
HR Generalist Zac Tipton is a huge history fan and loves taking in all the DC museums. But he also loves the genuine warmth and camaraderie he’s found at DRT. “We may be a government contractor and consulting firm at heart, but the culture doesn’t have that cold corporate feel to it that I’ve felt at previous firms.” He says from his first day forward, he’s found DRTers to be “extremely friendly and genuinely happy to be a part of this team.”
Recruiter Jordan Tonelson, pictured here on a hike with Matt and her dog Laney, says that she so appreciated having lunch with her manager Megan Cowman on her first day at DRT. “We bonded immediately over both of us having Beagle mix pooches.” Jordan says the biggest thing she looks for in prospective DRT employees is “an openness to grow and learn.” DRT is defined, she says, by going above and beyond for our clients and one another. “Those who want to seize learning opportunities and embrace new projects and technologies will thrive here.”
Fellow Beagle lover Megan Cowman serves as Senior Manager for Talent Acquisition and Development. Her motto in life is “do the right thing.” So, she knew that DRT was the place she wanted to work when she saw that their motto to “do the next right thing” aligned so closely with hers. Megan, too, has found DRT to have a “sense of warmth” that sets it apart from other workplaces. “DRT employees were patient while I acclimated to my job and the teamwork, I’ve experience here is impeccable. I immediately felt welcomed and a part of the team.”
Assistant Controller June Santos rounds out the corporate office newbies. She is pictured here last Christmas with husband Josh and their TEA (Tristan (5), Emma (3) and Alexander (20 months). June appreciates the friendliness of DRT teammates—and the Thai food they shared her first day: “There’s something special about enjoying a spicy meal together!” When she’s not crunching numbers, June says her kids bring her joy and laughter.
Twinkling Lights & Team Spirit in Atlanta and D.C.
Atlanta Holiday Luncheon
When: Thursday, December 12, 11:30 AM
Where: Little Alley Steak, 3500 Lenox Rd NE #100, Atlanta, GA 30326
What: Three course meal, games, prizes, and festive togetherness!
D.C.-Area Holiday Party
When: Saturday, December 14, 7 PM
Where: Pose, Gaylord National Resort, 201 Waterfront Street, Oxon Hill, MD 20745
What: Epic eats, treats, photos, dancing, and toasting one another!
DRT Yearbook
