In the world of government contracts, a missed clause could cost millions. That’s why extreme attention to detail, ability to negotiate, market research, and timely execution are critical for managing contracts—and why Jenna Grainer was named the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Contract Specialist of the Year for 2024.
Driven by a desire to serve, Grainer sought opportunities within government agencies focused on impactful projects, eventually landing at USACE where she supports the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP). FUSRAP addresses contamination from the nation’s early atomic energy program, cleaning up sites left over from the Manhattan Project.
Since she was young, Grainer always wanted a career as a public servant. She’s a triple major with a degree from Canisus College in political science, urban studies, and international relations and earned a master’s degree in public administration from SUNY Buffalo State College. She interned with the U.S. Attorney’s Office during undergrad and was later hired as a contractor paralegal. Searching for more opportunity, she applied to USACE Buffalo District’s paralegal position and onboarded in April 2022. She said she enjoyed the work but was looking for new challenges.
That’s when she met Jeff Ernest, USACE Buffalo District’s contracting chief, who noticed her talent and invited her to join his team in late February 2023.
“I remember when I hired her,” said Ernest. “They’re like, you better keep her busy because she’ll keep after you. She’s a workhorse.”
So, naturally, Jeff put her on one of the district’s more challenging programs, providing contract support for FUSRAP. And in true Grainer fashion—she excelled.
She managed over $1.1 billion in contract actions for the FUSRAP program. One action highlighted her mission focus. When a critical FUSRAP project faced potential delay, Grainer quickly identified justification and secured approval to increase contract capacity by $85 million. Then, she spearheaded the award of a $165 million task order, the largest in the Buffalo District’s 200-year history.
“We had to get really creative,” she explains, “to secure additional contract capacity and keep the project on schedule.”
Her meticulous attention to detail and careful review of the lengthy cost proposal helped her skillfully negotiate a final cost agreement. Grainer ended up saving USACE $34 million and ensured that the project remained on schedule.
But Grainer remains humble. She says her life-long vocation as a public servant is what drives her.
She joked, “I like to do my work in the trenches and in the shadows.”
She also said her success hinges on her team’s support.
“It’s definitely a collaborative effort,” Grainer said. “You’re working with engineers, scientists, and project managers to achieve a common goal.”