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.