8 questions with Stacy Watson

An IT software expert with 32 years of Army contracting experience, Stacy Watson leads a 14-person team that manages the lifecycle of 177 Computer Hardware, Enterprise Software and Solutions (CHESS) hardware, software and IT-services contracts worth more than $23 billion.

Watson leads by example. “Everything that I ask anybody to do, I would do myself or have done myself,” she said.

Watson earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University. She started her Army civilian career in college as an intern supporting the Army Engineering and Support Center in Huntsville, Alabama. 

Raised on an Alabama farm with nine siblings, Watson inherited a green thumb from her father and uses it to grow vegetables and flowers in her backyard garden. “I still practice Southern hospitality and cook Southern dishes,” Watson said. Today’s #PEOEISTeammateTuesday, Watson answered eight questions.

CHESS, the Army’s designated primary source for commercial IT, leverages the Army’s buying power to reduce acquisition and support costs. What do customers value about the CHESS program?
Customers appreciate that CHESS is a flexible, no-fee vehicle and very easy to use. They also appreciate that our standard contract terms and conditions ensure that Army customers are receiving safe and secure equipment.

How does the CHESS program benefit from industry outreach?
CHESS meets with any vendor that requests a meeting. We value industry insights. Our conversations with industry help us develop better contracts and provide the best products and services to the Army.

What advice do you have for small businesses seeking to enter the defense-contracting sector?
Find your niche. You can’t be great at everything, but you can be great at one thing.

Don’t put all of your eggs in one program or organization. Have multiple revenue streams of income.

Do your research. Don’t market to the Army — market to the person who buys the product or service you provide.

How has Army contracting changed?
We used to mail solicitations to vendors instead of posting them on a website. Technology makes contracting more efficient. We leverage automation to eliminate manual processes.

How can leaders support inclusivity?
Follow the golden rule. Treat people the way you want to be treated. Care about your co-worker, your performance and making PEO EIS a better place.

Do you have any book recommendations?
I am reading “The Power of Ten,” a book written by my sister, Kim Caudle Lewis. She is the youngest of 10 children. The book focuses on the lessons she learned from her siblings and husband. I am the ninth youngest and am discussed in the ninth chapter of her book. She knows that I will always go the extra mile to support her.

If you could thank one person for the role they played in your life, who would it be and why?
My dad taught me the value of hard work. He taught me to care about others. He was my hero and inspiration.

He made everyone feel special. He always said, “Use what you got.” You may not have everything you think you need to accomplish your goals, but use what you have and make the best of it.

What do you consider the most valuable virtue?
Be true to yourself. Don't sell yourself out.