Three Auditors Presented with 2023 Annual Awards

Fort Belvoir, Va. -

DCAA presented annual awards to three distinct members of the agency for their outstanding work and dedication to DCAA's mission.

Auditor of the Year: Jennifer Bird

Ms. Jennifer Bird is an auditor at the General Dynamics RTX office and exemplifies dedication, technical expertise, innovation, collaboration, and leadership. Throughout 2023, she leveraged data-driven resources to streamline audit planning and completion for a complex system process worth over $2.4 billion in sales. Her work ensured a 99 percent completion rate and her efforts improved efficiency, provided quality training, and standardized remote verification procedures.

Through innovation, Ms. Bird created Power-BI models to audit direct and indirect rates, reducing review time by 50 percent and questioning up to 40 percent of proposed rates. Thanks to her expert understanding of General Dynamic - Ordinance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS), she meticulously mapped the old and new accounting systems, uncovering compliance anomalies and saving over $17 million and 1,660 audit hours. Her comprehensive support tools coupled with proactive communication with customers ensured accurate rates before negotiations, preventing duplicated work and earning widespread commendation from multiple buying commands.

As a testament to her effectiveness and professionalism, Ms. Bird was invited to numerous high-level meetings and requested by name for consulting complex proposals. Her skills and ability to align audits and innovate efficient and effective methods makes her an invaluable member to any team.

Technical Auditor of the Year: Carol Plourde

Ms. Carol Plourde was recently announced as the 2023 Technical Auditor of the Year for her instrumental work shaping and improving data analytics within DCAA. Demonstrating exceptional technical expertise and innovation, she developed Power BI models for special Forward Pricing Rate Proposal audits. These models helped streamline the process and reduced audit hours by 40 percent. Her work enhanced efficiency and set a new standard for future audits.

Ms. Plourde's dedication to expanding data analytics across her Corporate Audit Directorate (CAD) office is evident in her proactive support and training initiatives. Throughout 2023, she played a key role in a pilot project focused on increasing the use of data analytics in fieldwork. She also created workshops and consolidated audit program user menus, making it easier for field auditors to access and use data analytic tools. Ms. Plourde's work contributes to lasting impacts for the CAD and creates new tools that improve tracking and managing data analytics.

Beyond her technical contributions, Ms. Plourde champions knowledge sharing and professional development throughout the agency; authoring articles for the CAD newsletter, leading call-in sessions covering data analytic resources, and serving as a Data Literacy and Microsoft 365 champion. Ms. Plourde's exception work and collaborative spirit makes her an invaluable asset to the agency.

From left to right: Barbara Richon, GD-RTX CAD Director; Carol Plourde, GD-RTX CAD DA/QM/CAATs Technical Specialist; and Chris DiNapoli, GD-RTX CAD Deputy Director

Auditor Trainee of the Year: Amy Whiteside

Ms. Amy Whiteside joined DCAA in June 2022 and was recently announced as the 2023 DCAA Auditor Trainee of the Year. Ms. Whiteside quickly adapted to working at DCAA and exemplified her exceptional technical skills, outstanding work ethic, and positive attitude. Her innovative approach to auditing created new processes that helped save the agency around 2,500 labor hours each year by eliminating duplicative work. She also helped strengthen relationships and improved partnerships with the Defense Contract Management Agency.

Not only did Ms. Whiteside save thousands in labor hours, she also developed Power BI models that streamlined material analysis, significantly enhancing the risk assessment process resulting in over $7.5 million in questioned costs for a contract. Her expertise in negotiation support helped save 4.1 percent of a subcontract proposal, ensuring fair costs for the government. Her thorough analysis and confident presentation proved key to securing favorable terms and establishing a foundation for future contract negotiations.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Whiteside demonstrates dedication developing her team. She was pivotal creating a dynamic training program and helped ensure her colleagues were proficient in the latest auditing techniques and procedures. Her commitment to excellence underscores her contributions to DCAA.

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