Title: Contract Specialist
Company: U.S. Army
Location: Richmond, Virginia, United States
Curtis L. Gardner, Contract Specialist at the U.S. Army and the U.S. National Guard and Supply Technician at the Defense Logistics Agency, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Military for dedication, achievements and leadership in Military and Government Contracting.
Mr. Gardner has established a distinguished career in both military and civilian sectors, marked by a commitment to excellence and continuous improvement. Since 2019, he has served as a contract specialist with the U.S. Army, collaborating with military customers from various units across Virginia to procure items, services and supplies that exceed standard acquisition thresholds. Notably, Mr. Gardner is responsible for managing procurement requests that cannot be fulfilled through the military’s internal ordering system. When assigned a package by the chief contracting officer, he initiates contact with the customer to collect necessary documentation and facilitate the solicitation process using appropriate contracting platforms.
Before his role as a contract specialist, Mr. Gardner gained valuable experience in logistics and materials management across several organizations. In 2019, he worked as a supply technician for the Defense Logistics Agency, supporting inventory control and supply chain operations critical to defense readiness. From 2018 to 2019, Mr. Gardner served as a materials technician for the city of Richmond in Virginia, contributing to municipal resource management initiatives.
Earlier in his career, Mr. Gardner served as a materials management specialist at the Children’s Hospital of Richmond at Virginia Commonwealth University from 2014 to 2016. There, he played an integral role in ensuring the efficient distribution of medical supplies within a health care environment. Mr. Gardner’s professional journey began in 2011 as a warehouse supervisor at B&B Printing, where he oversaw daily operations and staff.
Mr. Gardner’s military service extends over two decades. Since 2019, he has held concurrent roles as a contract specialist and an executive officer with the U.S. Army and the U.S. National Guard. His responsibilities have included overseeing operational readiness, supporting mission objectives and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Mr. Gardner’s tenure as an executive officer began in 2002 and continues to the present day, underscoring his long-standing dedication to national defense.
In preparation for his career, Mr. Gardner received a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2015. This educational foundation has been instrumental in equipping him with analytical skills and business acumen essential for success. Mr. Gardner has further enhanced his qualifications through specialized training in government contracting. He has held a Level I Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act contracting certification from the U.S. Army since 2021 and a Level II contracting certification since 2022.
Beyond his professional duties, Mr. Gardner’s commitment to service has been reflected through volunteer work with the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, demonstrating his dedication to supporting fellow veterans and promoting community engagement.
Among his most significant professional achievements as a civilian worker, Mr. Gardner completed his first indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract in early 2025. This five-year agreement, valued at more than $250,000, involved providing medical-related services to a key client throughout Virginia. Mr. Gardner regards this accomplishment as a career milestone, reflecting his expertise in navigating complex procurement processes and delivering value to his organization.
Mr. Gardner’s exemplary service in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve has resulted in being decorated with numerous medals, including an Armed Forces Reserve Medal with an M device and two oak leaf clusters, an Achievement Medal, a Commendation Medal and a Good Conduct Medal, as well as a Meritorious Unit Commendation for exceptionally meritorious conduct.
Throughout his career, Mr. Gardner has attributed his achievements to the support of colleagues and mentors who have shared their knowledge and perspectives. He approaches each new challenge with humility and openness, valuing input from team members at all levels and embracing opportunities for learning and growth.
Mr. Gardner continues to set ambitious goals for his future. He plans to advance in contracting by securing increased warrant authority and serving as a contracting officer on key projects. He also aspires to further his military career as an officer, aiming to become a company commander. Mr. Gardner’s career reflects a steadfast dedication to public service, professional development and collaborative leadership, all qualities that have earned him recognition.
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