At AForge, our teammates are the heart of our mission. In this first edition of our new Employee Spotlight series, we’re thrilled to introduce Maureen (Mo) Coghlan, AForge’s dedicated Contract Manager. Mo brings a wealth of expertise to her role, plus a vibrant personality that shines through in all she does. We sat down with Mo for a Q&A to learn more about her journey, passions, and what makes her tick, both inside and outside the workplace. Read on to get to know Mo better and discover the unique blend of talents she brings to our team!
Q: Mo, please tell us what you’d like to share regarding your prior work background and what brought your talents to AForge.
A: I have worked in Government Contracting in the Aerospace and Defense Industry for over 20 years. I graduated from college in the Bay Area during the Dot Com Bust, and Aerospace and Defense was one of the few industries hiring at the time. I’ve been in the industry ever since. I hold a BS in Business Administration and an MA in Communication from San Jose State University, and I’ve earned several quality certifications from California State University, Dominguez Hills. I also hold the Certified Professional Contract Manager (CPCM) certification from the National Contract Management Association (NCMA), which combines the Certified Federal Contract Manager (CFCM) and Certified Commercial Contract Manager (CCCM) certifications.
Q: What does your day-to-day look like in this role?
A: With a combined role in Contracts and Proposal Management, my days are pretty diverse. If we’re working on a proposal, my focus is on deriving requirements from the Request for Proposal (RFP), writing the contracts volume, gathering documentation and certifications, and reviewing the technical and management volumes. I also ensure the proposal demonstrates to the government that we’re the best fit for the work. Between proposals, I work with existing customers on contract deliverables, making sure contracts are adequately funded, and capturing new requirements. I’m also regularly involved in compliance, developing templates, and creating resources like negotiation guidance.
Q: What are the key skills that help you thrive in your role?
A: Time Management is key. There’s never enough time to accomplish everything, so prioritizing tasks is essential to handling the most important and time-sensitive items. Those priorities shift based on the time of year for annual compliance, the time of the month for contractual deliverables, and unpredictable proposal deadlines.
Q: What about working on contracts do you enjoy?
A: There’s a lot of satisfaction in creating a well-written, balanced contract that manages risk and sets clear expectations. It lays the foundation for a solid working relationship. I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect—finding a way to meet the contract’s requirements while aligning with the customer’s actual intent. It requires creativity to balance both sides.
Q: Is there any part of AForge’s mission that drew you to work here? Do you have any special connection to the company’s background?
A: I have experience working with subcontractors at large businesses, where small business requirements often felt like a numbers game. Smaller companies are much more responsive and agile than large business competitors, despite having fewer resources. This experience inspired me to work for small and disadvantaged businesses. It’s challenging, and you need to wear many hats, but it’s very rewarding. You gain a holistic view of the contracting and proposal process, rather than just handling one part of it.
Q: What are some of your passions outside of work?
A: I live in Denver, which is a fantastic place with so many activities to choose from. I’m a Certified Cicerone, so I love beer tasting, pairing dinners, and festivals—there’s always something happening in the beer scene here. I’m also a Pro Wrestling fan, enjoying both the local scene and national shows like AEW and GCW. My partner, Dale, and I love the annual Chris Jericho Rock’n’Wrestling Cruise. Denver’s comedy scene is amazing too. We go to local shows twice a week and attend festivals like High Plains and Moontower. We’re also big fans of Lucha Libre & Laughs, which combines wrestling with stand-up comedy. Additionally, we enjoy film festivals, horror conventions, and live music. We’ve attended concerts like Vanilla Ice and Everclear and discovered local bands like Bolonium and the Nuns of Brixton. Earlier this year, we went on the Creed Cruise, and now we’re getting ready for the Headbangers Boat at the end of the month. If it sounds silly or fun, I’m probably there!
Mo’s wealth of experience makes her an incredible asset to AForge. Stay tuned for more insights in our Employee Spotlight series!
