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Description Louise is forty-four years old and has worked at HHS since 1986. She was hired as an
administrative assistant, but her in-depth knowledge of HHS contracts eventually earned
her a key position as the contracts administrator for her office. In addition to working
with HHS agencies such as NIH to administer contracts, Louise is the primary go-to
person for OIRM contractors working on site. Using her extensive knowledge of the
organization and her long list of contacts, she gets things done quickly and effectively,
enabling work on contracts to continue seamlessly. Louise also assists people within her
office with administrative tasks: last year she wrote a handbook outlining the policies,
procedures, and forms required for business processes within OIRM. Recognizing that
employees needed such a resource, Louise took the initiative on producing this
handbook, a time-consuming task.
Since her focus is administrative, Louise knows HHS and federal-wide policies,
procedures, and regulations inside out. Often people involved in contracts ask her where
to find information about policies that affect – or even dictate – how contract work must
be done. Louise directs people to specific policies, procedures, and regulations on the
intranet, the HHS public Website (HHS.gov), and other federal sites. She also helps them
understand and apply these “rules” to their particular project and situation.
People enjoy working with Louise because of her good-natured personality, efficiency,
and seasoned expertise. They trust her judgment, knowing they can rely on her to help
them get things done within the complex framework of government policies and
regulations. Frequently people stop by Louise’s desk to talk, commenting on the
numerous pictures of her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Computing environment Fast machine, 17-inch monitor, Windows 2000, IE 6.0, T-1 Internet connection
Louise uses the computer for about two-thirds of her workday. Generally she’s