From Frustration to Mastery: CPARS Interface and User Challenges Solved

John Wahl, a seasoned Contract Management Professor at the Defense Acquisition University (DAU) and certified Executive Coach, supports the Department of Defense Acquisition community. His expertise spans cost/price analysis, Federal Acquisition & Defense Federal Acquisition Regulations Supplement, negotiation techniques, and production and service contracting best practices.

John embarked on his career in 2002 as a Department of Defense civil servant at Naval Sea Systems Command’s (NAVSEA) Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division. Over the years, he advanced to various Procurement Contracting Officer (PCO) positions, holding an Unlimited Warrant. From 2005 to 2016, John served as a PCO for a range of acquisitions, including service procurements, at Marine Corps Systems Command (MARCORSYSCOM). His oversight spanned acquisitions such as Marine Corps rifle optics, non-lethal capabilities, and Information Technology Outsourcing Services, notably the Global Combat Support Systems-Marine Corps (GCSS-MC), an IT system optimizing Marine Corps logistics and supply chain management. 

Throughout his career, John has appointed and worked with numerous Contracting Officer Representatives (CORs). Together, they have successfully managed contracts across the triple constraint of cost, schedule, and performance. This collaborative effort has been pivotal in ensuring that the contracts meet the stringent requirements and deliver optimal value.

Camille Y. Nichols is a distinguished Professor of Contract Management at the Defense Acquisition University, where she imparts her vast contracting expertise to the defense acquisition workforce. She offers consulting through workshops, classroom sessions, and online resources, ensuring precise knowledge delivery. 

Before this, she led the Enterprise Contracts Group at Federal Student Aid, managing a team that executed 380 contract actions worth $153M in FY2020. An Air Force veteran, Camille retired in 2018, having served in key roles like Director of Performance-Based Logistics and Program Integration Divisions at the Defense Logistics Agency. 

Her career highlights include commanding the DCMA Korea and leading the Regional Contracting Center-Central in Baghdad. She has held significant positions in contracting and acquisition across the Air Force, contributing to critical missions.