KSC-05-S-00318

Hello, my name is Emilio Cruz. I am currently a program integration manager and contracting officer technical representative or, COTR on the NASA Launch Services contract or, commonly known as the NLS. The NLS is a 10 year multiple award contract for expendable launch vehicle launch services. As a program integration manager, I provide program and business management for the launch services contract, including specialized support in procurement and resource management. Basically, I am responsible to ensure that budgets are in place and requirements are contractually implemented for the mission. As the COTR, I am responsible to work cross-mission technical and programmatic issues with the Launch Service contractor and NASA. Basically, I serve as the technical liaison between the contractor and the contracting officer. In my role, I also serve as a mentor to the rest of the program integration managers assigned to my contract. I ensure processes for reporting information are consistently used across the contract and give guidance. I monitor and brief Launch Service Program management on a regular basis the status of all actions affecting my contract. In summary, multi-tasking is a major portion of my daily activities since my duties involve advising, coordinating, integrating, monitoring, and performing work in several phases of development. I am very fortunate to work for such a successful organization. While growing up, I was always impressed with NASA's accomplishments and wanted to be part of the challenging work. Two of the most rewarding aspects of my job, is the opportunity to work with a group of talented individuals who share the same goal of a successful mission and to be involved with a mission from the very beginning to launch. The best advice for anyone wanting to pursue a career in engineering is to never quit and always strive to do your best.