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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.

 

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.
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Aynsley Davidson, CP APMP
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
During my association with APMP, I have been fortunate to have met and gathered wisdom from several industry stalwarts.
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Karthik Koutharapu, 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.
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Sonal Bhatnagar, CP APMP, PMP
Being an active APMP certified practitioner allowed me to recognize my hidden potential multifold (40u40, BPC Awards, BPC Speaker) and give back to the profession through the APMP community.
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Karthik Koutharapu, CP APMP
APMP is an organization full of hardworking, enthusiastic professionals who are dedicated to promoting their industry and practicing their craft.
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Heather Finch, 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
Being a part of APMP, I get access to the knowledge and experience of great leaders and mentors from the community. I have learned a great deal from the webinars and conferences I attended on diverse topics from career progression in Proposal Management, trends (such as automation) in PreSales to achieving work-life balance, and handling burn-outs – all real-life experiences.
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Shubhada Kulkarni, CP APMP
APMP Certification is an important milestone in the bid and proposal profession. It helped me upgrade my knowledge and be competitive in the industry. You can achieve your dream career with APMP certifications. Thanks to APMP India.
Swapnil Patange
Swapnil Patange, CF APMP
This topic, Executive Summaries, is way underrated. The Executive Summary is the most eye-catching document, which almost everyone on the customer side reads. Yet, in most bid teams, we don’t dedicate the attention it deserves. I want to learn about something I can immediately put into practice at my workplace, which provides a “quick win” to the team and is a long-term benefit for the company.
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Dénes Máthé, CF ES-M APMP